Privacy Policy

Local Web HQ (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

1) Who we are

Business name: Local Web HQ
Website: localwebhq.com
Contact email: mark@localwebhq.com
Location: Ballyclare, Northern Ireland (UK)
Business type: Sole trader

We are the “data controller” for the personal data we collect through this website.

2) What personal data we collect

Depending on how you contact us, we may collect:

• Identity & contact data: name, email address, phone number
• Message data: the contents of your enquiry (contact form message, email, WhatsApp message)
• Technical data: basic information your device shares when loading the website (e.g., IP address, browser type). This is typically collected by our hosting provider and is used for security and performance.

We do not intentionally collect special category data (like health information) and we ask you not to submit it through our contact methods.

3) How we collect your data

We collect data when you:

• Fill in our contact form
• Email us directly
• Phone us
• Message us on WhatsApp
• View pages that include third-party features such as an embedded Google Map

4) Why we use your data (and our lawful basis)

We only use your data when we have a lawful basis under UK GDPR.

Responding to enquiries / providing quotes or services

• What we use: name, email, phone, message contents
• Why: to reply to your enquiry, provide information, quotes, and deliver our services
• Lawful basis: Legitimate interests (running our business and responding to requests) and/or Contract (steps taken at your request before entering a contract)

Website security and maintenance

• What we use: technical data (e.g., IP address and logs)
• Why: to keep the website secure, prevent abuse, and ensure it works properly
• Lawful basis: Legitimate interests

Marketing (only if you ask or opt in)

If you specifically request updates or agree to receive marketing, we may contact you. Our lawful basis will be Consent (where required) or Legitimate interests (limited, relevant business communications).

You can opt out of marketing at any time by emailing mark@localwebhq.com.

5) Who we share your data with

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your data only when necessary with trusted service providers, such as:

• Website hosting / IT providers (to keep the site running and secure)
• Email provider (if you email us or we reply by email)
• WhatsApp / Meta (if you message us via WhatsApp)
• Google (if you view or interact with an embedded Google Map)

These providers may process data on our behalf or as independent controllers under their own policies.

6) Google Maps (embedded content)

Our website may include an embedded Google Map to help you find us.

When the map loads, Google may collect data such as your IP address and may set cookies or similar technologies. This processing is controlled by Google and is subject to Google’s own privacy policy.

If you prefer, you can avoid interacting with the map and instead contact us for directions.

7) International transfers

Some of the providers we use (such as Google and WhatsApp/Meta) may process data outside the UK. Where international transfers occur, they typically rely on safeguards such as adequacy regulations or appropriate contractual protections.

8) How long we keep your data

We keep personal data only as long as necessary.

Typical retention periods:

• General enquiries: up to 12 months
• Client communications / active projects: for the duration of the project and up to 24 months after, in case of follow-up queries, warranties, or record keeping
• Security logs: usually kept for short periods as required for security and troubleshooting

You can request deletion sooner (see your rights below). In some cases we may need to keep certain records for legal, tax, or dispute reasons.

9) Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict processing in certain situations
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Data portability (where applicable)
• Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise any of these rights, email mark@localwebhq.com.

10) Complaints

If you’re unhappy with how we handle your data, please contact us first and we’ll try to resolve it.

You also have the right to complain to the UK regulator:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

11) Keeping your data secure

We take reasonable steps to protect personal data, including security measures appropriate to the nature of the information we hold. No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, but we work to protect your information.

12) Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page, with the updated date shown at the top.