Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Kestrel & Vale ("I", "me", "my") collects, uses and protects your personal data when you use this website or my services, in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I am

Kestrel & Vale is a sole trader business operated by Lewis Cawthraw, based in Carlisle, Cumbria. For data protection purposes, I am the data controller. Contact: 07950 647645, hello@kestrelandvale.co.uk.

2. What data I collect

• Contact details: name, email address, phone number, and the subject/message you submit via the contact form.
• Service data: information you provide while I work on your systems, only as needed to perform the service.
• Technical data: basic, anonymised analytics (page views, device type) via Plausible, which does not use cookies or track individuals.

3. How I use your data

• To respond to your enquiry and provide IT services.
• To create and manage a support ticket in my helpdesk (Zoho Desk).
• To invoice and manage payments.
• To comply with legal obligations.

I will never sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing. Data is only shared with service providers needed to deliver the service (e.g. helpdesk, email).

4. Lawful basis

Processing is based on your consent (when you submit the contact form) and on the performance of a contract (when you engage my services), plus legal obligations for record-keeping.

5. How long I keep data

Contact enquiries are kept for up to 24 months. Client and billing records are kept for 6 years for tax purposes. You may request deletion at any time (subject to legal retention requirements).

6. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or port your data, and to object to processing. To exercise these rights, contact me using the details above. You also have the right to complain to the ICO (ico.org.uk).

7. Cookies

This site uses no tracking cookies. Only essential, functional storage (accessibility preferences in localStorage) is used. Analytics are cookieless.

8. Security

I take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure; please avoid sending highly sensitive information via the contact form.

9. Changes to this policy

I may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be published on this page with an updated date.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy: 07950 647645 or hello@kestrelandvale.co.uk.