1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal data. We are committed to handling your information securely and in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who We Are

S1 Metal Plates is a manufacturer of premium pressed metal number plates, show plates and custom signage. Our website address is: https://s1metalplates.com

We act as the data controller for the personal information collected through this website.

3. Personal Data We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide

We collect personal identifiers and contact details such as:

  • Name
  • Billing and delivery address
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Order details
  • Payment information (processed securely by third‑party providers)

For certain products (e.g., metal number plates), UK law requires us to verify your identity, address and entitlement to display a registration number.

3.2 Comments

If you leave a comment, we collect:

  • The information you enter
  • Your IP address
  • Browser user‑agent (for spam detection)

An anonymised hash of your email may be sent to the Gravatar service. After approval, your comment and profile image may be publicly visible.

3.3 Contact Forms

Information submitted through our contact forms is stored and processed to respond to your enquiry.

3.4 Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to support essential website functions, improve performance and enhance your shopping experience. Cookies help us:

  • Maintain login and checkout sessions
  • Remember display and accessibility preferences
  • Analyse website performance and usage (if analytics are enabled)
  • Prevent fraud and maintain security

You can manage or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Some cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled.

3.5 Embedded Content

Embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, Instagram posts) behaves as if you visited the external site directly. These services may collect data and use tracking technologies.

3.6 Special Category Data

We do not routinely collect special category data (e.g., health, ethnicity, religious beliefs) unless specifically required for your order.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process your data to:

  • Fulfil and deliver your orders
  • Verify identity and entitlement for number plates
  • Respond to enquiries
  • Improve website performance
  • Maintain security and prevent fraud
  • Send marketing communications (only where you have opted in via newsletter or similar) or where we have legitimate interest for existing customers about similar products.

5. Lawful Bases for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract — to process and deliver your orders
  • Legal obligation — to verify entitlement for number plates
  • Legitimate interests — to improve our website and prevent fraud
  • Consent — for optional marketing communications

6. Data Sharing

We only share your data with:

  • Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
  • Delivery partners (e.g., Royal Mail, couriers)
  • IT and security service providers
  • Legal authorities where required by law

We do not sell or trade your personal information.

Some of our service providers may process data outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g. UK International Data Transfer Agreement).

7. Data Retention

  • Order and purchase records: 7 years (for tax and accounting purposes)
  • Comments: retained indefinitely to maintain thread continuity and moderation
  • Registered user profiles: stored until the account is deleted
  • Contact form submissions: retained for customer‑service purposes

8. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
  • Secure payment processing
  • Access controls
  • Regular security updates

9. Your Rights

You have the following rights under UK GDPR:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion in certain circumstances
  • Request restriction or objection to processing
  • Withdraw consent for marketing at any time

We will respond to all requests within one month of receipt. If your request is complex, we may extend this period by a further two months.

9.1 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details in the Contact Us section. We may need to verify your identity before responding to your request.

9.2 How to Complain

If you have concerns about our Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us first so we can resolve the issue. If you remain dissatisfied, you can lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

ICO website: https://ico.org.uk

10. Third‑Party Websites and Privacy Policy

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy policy, practices or content.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version of this Privacy Policy will always be available on this page.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or wish to exercise your rights, you can contact us.

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