This Cookie Policy is here to explain how I, Simon Stratford, use cookies and similar technologies when you visit my website(s) at https://simonstratford.com ("Websites"). I want you to understand what these technologies are, why I use them, and your rights to control their usage.

Sometimes I might use cookies to collect personal information or information that becomes personal when combined with other data.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are these little data files that websites drop onto your computer or mobile device when you pop by for a visit. Website owners often use them to help make their sites run smoother and give them insights into their users.

Cookies set by the website owner (that's me, Simon Stratford) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." These third-party cookies can recognise your computer not only when you visit the website in question but also when you visit certain other websites.

Why Do I Use Cookies?

I use first and third-party cookies for various reasons. Some cookies are necessary for my Websites to work; I call these "essential" or "strictly necessary" cookies. Others help me track and tailor my content to your interests, enhancing your experience on my Online Properties. Third parties also use cookies on my Websites for advertising, analytics, and more.

You have the right to decide whether you accept or reject cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences using the Cookie Consent Manager, which can be found in the notification banner and on my website. Essential cookies cannot be rejected because they're necessary for my services.

You can also adjust your web browser settings to accept or refuse cookies. Keep in mind that the process for refusing cookies varies between browsers, so consult your browser's help menu for guidance.

Additionally, many advertising networks offer opt-out options for targeted advertising. You can learn more at aboutads.info or youronlinechoices.com.

Types of Cookies We Use:

Here's a breakdown of the types of cookies served through my Website(s):

Essential Website Cookies:

• These cookies are strictly necessary for my Website(s) to provide you with services and access secure areas.

Analytics and Customization Cookies:

• These cookies help me understand how my Website(s) are used and the effectiveness of my marketing campaigns. They also assist in customising my Website(s) for you.

Advertising Cookies:

• These cookies make advertising messages more relevant to you and help manage ad display frequency, ensuring proper delivery of ads based on your interests.

Unclassified Cookies:

• These are cookies we're still categorising with the help of their providers.

Other Tracking Technologies:

Apart from cookies, I may use similar technologies like web beacons (sometimes called "tracking pixels" or "clear gifs"). These tiny graphic files contain unique identifiers that help me recognise visits to my Website(s) or opened emails containing them. They allow me to monitor user traffic patterns, deliver or communicate with cookies, assess the origin of visits (e.g., from online ads), improve site performance, and measure email marketing success. Most of these technologies rely on cookies to function properly.

Flash Cookies or Local Shared Objects:

Websites may use "Flash Cookies" (known as Local Shared Objects or "LSOs") for various purposes, including fraud prevention. You can adjust your Flash player settings to block Flash Cookies.

Targeted Advertising:

Third parties may use cookies on your device to serve ads through my Website(s). They collect data about your visits to this and other websites to provide relevant ads. This data doesn't directly identify you unless you provide it.

Policy Updates:

I may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in the cookies I use or other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Check back periodically to stay informed about my use of cookies and related technologies. The date at the bottom of this policy shows when it was last updated.

Further Information:

If you have questions about my cookie usage or other technologies, please email me using my contact form.

Last updated: 5th October 2023