Privacy & cookies
How Smitco Analytics collects, uses and protects your information when you use this website. Last updated: 27 September 2026.
Who I am
This website is run by Smitco LTD, trading as Smitco Analytics, based in Birmingham, UK. For this website, Smitco LTD is the data controller. If you have any questions about your data, email info@smitcoanalytics.co.uk.
What I collect and why
When you contact me
If you use a contact form or email me, I receive the details you give me: usually your name, email address, business name, website, phone number (optional) and your message. I use these only to reply to your enquiry and, if we work together, to provide my services. The legal basis is your request to be contacted and, where relevant, taking steps towards a contract.
The contact forms are handled by Formspree, which passes your message to my email inbox. Formspree acts as a processor on my behalf.
Website analytics
I use Google Analytics only to produce statistics about how this site is used, for example how many people visit, which pages they view and how they found the site, so I can improve it. It does not tell me who you are. Advertising features, Google signals and ad personalisation are switched off. The legal basis is my legitimate interest in understanding and improving this website. You can opt out of analytics at any time (see below).
Cookies
Cookies are small files stored in your browser. This site uses Google Analytics cookies only to count visits and understand how the site is used. You can opt out with one click below, and no analytics cookies will be used on this browser. If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control signal, analytics is switched off automatically.
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Kept for |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes visitors to count visits | 2 years |
| _ga_D8TEFPND6X | Google Analytics | Keeps track of your current visit | 2 years |
| smitco_analytics_optout | This website (browser storage) | Only set if you opt out, to remember your choice | Until you clear it |
You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings.
Who else sees your data
I do not sell your data or share it for marketing. The only third parties involved are the service providers that run this website and its tools: Hostinger (web hosting), Formspree (contact forms), Google (email and Google Analytics) and WordPress (the blog). Some of these providers may process data outside the UK; where they do, they use legal safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or standard contractual clauses.
How long I keep it
Enquiries that don't lead to work are deleted within 12 months. If we work together, records are kept for as long as needed for the work and for legal and accounting purposes (usually up to 6 years). Google Analytics data is kept for 14 months.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you can ask to see the data I hold about you, ask me to correct or delete it, object to or restrict how I use it, and opt out of analytics at any time. Email info@smitcoanalytics.co.uk and I'll respond within one month.
If you're unhappy with how your data has been handled, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
Changes
I may update this page from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.