UK GDPR Privacy & Cookie Notice

1. Introduction & Data Controller

TradeCostUK ("we", "our", or "us"), an independent digital pricing intelligence platform operated by AP Growth (accessible via https://apgrowth.tech), is dedicated to safeguarding and respecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, process, and retain personal data when you visit our website or submit a quote request.

For the purposes of applicable data protection legislation, the Data Controller is AP Growth / TradeCostUK Intelligence Operations. Inquiries regarding data protection can be addressed to privacy@apgrowth.tech.

2. Information We Collect

We only collect data that is strictly necessary to deliver accurate pricing calculations and contractor quotes:

• Quote Requests (Voluntary): When you submit a request for contractor estimates, we collect your service requirements, postcode / outward postal code (e.g., SW1A, M1), requested timeframe, and contact identifier (email address or telephone number).
• Technical & Analytical Data (Automatic): When you access our website, our server logs record anonymized IP addresses, browser user agent strings, visited URL paths, and timestamps to protect system integrity, detect malicious scraping, and monitor aggregated traffic.
• Contact Inquiries: Any correspondence submitted through our contact desk, including name, email address, and inquiry details.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing (UK GDPR Article 6)

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Consent (Article 6(1)(a)): When you explicitly request quotes or subscribe to updates, you consent to being connected with local trade professionals.
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)): To maintain site security, detect automated scraping bots, optimize server performance, and ensure accurate regional price benchmarks.

4. Cookies & Advertising Policy

Our website uses minimal, functional cookies necessary for user session security and calculator preferences.

Third-Party Advertising & Google AdSense: We may display advertising served by Google AdSense and certified third-party ad networks. Google uses cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on prior visits to this and other websites. You may manage your personalized advertising preferences at any time by visiting Google Ads Settings.

5. Data Retention & Security

Quote inquiries and customer request logs are retained for a maximum of 12 months for quality audit purposes and verification against trade price indices, after which they are securely purged or completely anonymised. We implement industry-standard TLS encryption across all web traffic.

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to access, rectify, or request erasure of your personal data, as well as the right to restrict or object to processing. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@apgrowth.tech. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.