How personal data is handled on this website
Who we are
This website is operated by Merrow Tide Editorial Ltd of 14 Calder Mews, Briarfield Lane, Heaton Fold, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4RT, United Kingdom. You can contact us about privacy matters at [email protected]. This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how long we keep it and what rights you may have in relation to it.
Information we collect
We collect information that you choose to send to us, such as your name, email address, message content and any details you include in a contact form or email. We also collect limited technical information when you browse the site. That may include IP address, browser type, device type, referring page, approximate region derived from network data, pages viewed and interaction with cookie preferences. Some of that information is processed through cookies or similar browser storage tools.
If you contact us about a correction, rights issue or legal question, we may keep the related correspondence and any attachments in order to respond, maintain records of the exchange and manage future follow-up.
How we use personal data
We use contact details to reply to enquiries, manage requests, maintain site administration and keep records of communications. We use technical information to protect the site, understand general usage trends, improve navigation and maintain records of consent choices. Where functional cookies are enabled, we may store interface preferences such as your cookie settings. Where analytics cookies are enabled by your selection, we may use aggregated visit information to understand which pages are most used and how visitors move through the site.
Legal bases under United Kingdom data protection law
For visitors in the United Kingdom, our processing is carried out under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Depending on the context, our legal basis may be consent, where you choose optional cookies; legitimate interests, where we operate, secure and improve the site; or steps taken at your request before responding to an enquiry. If a communication leads to a contractual or legal process, processing may also be necessary for that purpose.
Cookies and similar technologies
Cookies are small files or stored values used to recognise a browser, remember choices and support measurement. This site uses essential cookies or storage functions for core operation and consent recording, and may use functional or analytics cookies depending on the option you choose in the banner. Further detail is provided in the cookie policy, including the categories used and how to manage them through browser controls.
Processors and disclosures
We may use service providers that host the site, route email, store backups or assist with basic analytics and security logging. Those providers act on our instructions where they process personal data for us. We may also disclose information where reasonably necessary to comply with legal obligations, protect rights, investigate abuse or respond to lawful requests from public authorities.
We do not sell personal information. For visitors who fall within certain United States state privacy laws, including California frameworks commonly described under CCPA or CPRA, we do not treat ordinary site analytics and service-provider processing as a sale of personal information. If the applicable law gives you a right to know, delete or correct personal information, you may contact us to exercise that right.
International transfers
Some providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where that happens, we take reasonable steps to ensure that an appropriate transfer mechanism or legal safeguard is used, such as adequacy regulations or contractual protections suitable to the transfer.
Retention
We keep enquiry records only for as long as reasonably necessary for correspondence management, legal administration, editorial review and record keeping. Cookie preference records may be kept in your browser until cleared or replaced. Server and security logs are kept for a limited period appropriate to operational monitoring and abuse prevention. Where retention is required by law or needed to establish or defend legal claims, data may be kept for longer.
Your rights
Depending on where you are located, you may have rights to request access to personal data, rectification of inaccurate data, erasure, restriction of processing, objection to certain processing and data portability. In the United Kingdom, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office if you believe your data has been handled unlawfully. Before doing so, we would appreciate the chance to address your concern directly.
Children’s privacy
This site is intended as a general-interest editorial resource. It is not directed specifically to children, and we do not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children through the contact form.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal or technical changes. The latest version published on this page applies from the time it is posted.