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Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Smart Builder ("we", "our", "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at thesmartbuilder.co.uk (the "Service").

This policy complies with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). By using our Service, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy.

For information about how we process your personal data more generally, please see our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until deleted or until they expire) or "session" cookies (deleted when you close your browser). Cookies can also be "first-party" (set by us) or "third-party" (set by other organisations).

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

  • Essential Operations: To enable core website functionality and security features
  • Authentication: To keep you logged in and remember your preferences
  • Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our Service
  • Performance: To improve website speed and user experience

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of our Service. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the Service cannot function properly without them.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
sb-access-tokenUser authentication and session managementSession
sb-refresh-tokenMaintains login session securely7 days
cookie-consentStores your cookie preferences1 year
__stripe_midFraud prevention for payment processing1 year

4.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Service by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They help us improve our website and services.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
_gaGoogle Analytics - distinguishes users2 years
_ga_*Google Analytics - maintains session state2 years
_gidGoogle Analytics - distinguishes users24 hours

4.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

Cookie NamePurposeDuration
themeStores your display preference (light/dark mode)1 year

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our Service are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these third-party cookies. The third parties include:

  • Google Analytics: For website analytics and performance monitoring
  • Stripe: For secure payment processing and fraud prevention
  • Cloudflare: For file storage and CDN services

Please refer to these third parties' privacy and cookie policies for more information about how they use cookies.

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences in several ways:

6.1 Our Cookie Banner

When you first visit our Service, you will see a cookie banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your cookies and revisiting our site.

6.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically find these in the "Options" or "Preferences" menu of your browser. The following links provide information on how to manage cookies in common browsers:

6.3 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

7. Consequences of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable or block certain cookies, some features of our Service may not function properly. Specifically:

  • Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from logging in or accessing your account
  • Disabling functional cookies may mean we cannot remember your preferences
  • Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your use of the Service but will limit our ability to improve it

8. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use similar technologies such as:

  • Local Storage: For storing data in your browser that persists across sessions
  • Session Storage: For storing temporary data during your browsing session

These technologies are subject to the same rules as cookies under PECR and this policy.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will post any changes on this page and update the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

  • Email: privacy@thesmartbuilder.co.uk
  • Website: thesmartbuilder.co.uk

11. More Information

For more information about cookies and your rights, you can visit:

© 2026 Smart Builder. All rights reserved.

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