Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how CompareServices.co.uk (“CompareServices“, “we“, “us“, or “our“) uses cookies, pixels, tags, scripts, local storage, and similar technologies on compareservices.co.uk.

CompareServices is a UK business services comparison website. We use certain technologies to make the website function, protect forms from abuse, understand how people use the site, remember user choices, and, where enabled and lawfully consented to, support advertising and measurement activity.

Because this website is aimed at UK users and businesses, our approach to cookies is designed around the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and related guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). In simple terms, that means:

• we tell users what cookies and similar technologies are in use;
• we explain what they do and why they are used;
• we separate technologies into meaningful categories;
• we do not treat non-essential cookies as active by default where consent is required;
• we give users a way to accept, reject, or change their cookie choices; and
• we review this Cookie Policy and our consent mechanism when the site setup changes.

2. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on a user’s device when they visit a website. They can help a website recognise a browser or device, remember information about a visit, and store settings or identifiers so that particular functions work properly.

Not all website technologies work in exactly the same way, so when we refer to “cookies” in this policy we also mean related technologies such as:

• browser storage;
• local storage;
• pixels;
• scripts;
• tags;
• software development kit identifiers;
• and other technologies that store or access information on a device.

Some cookies are first-party cookies, which means they are set by CompareServices. Others are third-party cookies, which means they are set by third-party providers whose tools or services are used on the site.

Cookies can also differ by duration:

• Session cookies expire when a browser session ends.
• Persistent cookies remain on a device for a defined period or until manually deleted.

3. Why we use cookies and similar technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

• to make the website function correctly;
• to remember privacy or cookie settings selected by the user;
• to keep forms and user sessions secure;
• to help prevent spam, abuse, fraud, or automated misuse;
• to understand website performance and user journeys;
• to measure how visitors interact with pages, forms, and tools;
• to test and improve design, usability, and functionality; and
• where enabled with valid consent, to support advertising, remarketing, and conversion measurement.

We try to use the least intrusive approach that is reasonably possible for each purpose. However, some third-party tools may still place or access cookies as part of their standard operation. That is why we describe categories below and provide a cookie preference mechanism.

4. Legal basis and consent approach

Under PECR, storing information on a user’s device or accessing information already stored on that device usually requires clear and comprehensive information and valid consent, unless an exemption applies.

4.1 Strictly necessary technologies

Some cookies or similar technologies may be used without consent where they are genuinely necessary to provide the service requested by the user or to enable core site security and functionality. These can include cookies that:

• remember a cookie-consent choice;
• maintain a secure user session;
• distribute traffic for performance or stability;
• support load balancing;
• or protect forms and pages from malicious or automated activity where that protection is essential to provide the requested online service safely.

These technologies are still described in this policy even where consent is not required.

4.2 Analytics, performance, and advertising technologies

Analytics, measurement, advertising, remarketing, and most personalisation technologies are normally treated as non-essential. Where CompareServices uses them in a way that requires consent, they should only be activated after the user has taken a clear positive action to accept them.

This means:

• no pre-ticked boxes for non-essential categories;
• no reliance on continued browsing as consent;
• no bundling of consent into unrelated terms;
• and an ongoing ability for users to withdraw or change preferences.

4.3 Changes to guidance and law

UK cookie and storage/access rules continue to evolve. ICO guidance on PECR and related storage/access technologies has been under review following the Data (Use and Access) Act changes. For that reason, this policy should be checked again whenever:

• a new analytics or advertising tool is added;
• a new cookie banner or consent platform is deployed;
• reCAPTCHA or other security tools are changed;
• advertising or conversion-tracking tags are enabled;
• or updated ICO guidance materially changes the compliance position.

5. Cookie categories we use

CompareServices may use the categories below.

5.1 Strictly necessary cookies

These are required for core website functions, security, consent management, and the reliable delivery of pages or forms. Without them, the website may not work properly or securely.

Typical examples may include:

• a cookie that records whether a user has accepted or rejected optional cookies;
• session or routing cookies that keep the website stable and responsive;
• security cookies needed to prevent abuse of contact and quote forms; and
• cookies required to remember a user’s consent preferences.

5.2 Preference cookies

These remember choices made by the user, such as language, accessibility, or interface preferences. Some may be strictly necessary depending on the service context, while others may be treated as optional depending on how they operate.

5.3 Analytics and performance cookies

These help us understand which pages are visited, how users move through the site, where users encounter problems, and how forms or landing pages perform. We use this information to improve content, UX, technical performance, and conversion pathways.

Where these cookies are not covered by an applicable exemption, they should only be used with consent.

5.4 Security and anti-spam cookies

CompareServices may use Google reCAPTCHA or similar tools to detect spam, scripted submissions, automated abuse, and malicious traffic. Such technologies can involve cookies and related device signals. Depending on the exact implementation and purpose, these may be categorised as strictly necessary security measures or may require consent if they go beyond what is essential.

5.5 Advertising and measurement cookies

If CompareServices uses Google Ads, remarketing pixels, or similar advertising tools, these may set cookies to measure campaign performance, attribute conversions, limit repeat ad delivery, and support personalised or non-personalised advertising functions.

These cookies are non-essential and should only be used after valid consent where consent is required.

6. Cookie table

The table below describes the cookies and similar technologies we may use on CompareServices.co.uk.

7. Third-party services that may use cookies

Depending on the final live configuration, CompareServices may use third-party services that set or access cookies or similar technologies. These may include:

• Google Analytics for analytics and measurement;
• Google reCAPTCHA for spam prevention and security;
• Google Ads or related advertising tags for conversion tracking and remarketing;
• hosting, CDN, or security tools for site delivery and protection; and
• embedded services or scripts that support forms, widgets, or other technical features.

When third-party technologies are active, those providers may receive information such as browser data, device identifiers, IP-related data, site interaction information, or cookie identifiers. Their handling of that information is governed by their own privacy and cookie notices in addition to this policy.

For more information about Google’s cookie practices, please see Google’s Cookie Policy.

8. How users can manage cookies

Users can manage cookie choices in several ways.

8.1 Through our cookie banner or preference centre

Where CompareServices uses a consent banner or preferences panel, users should be able to:

• accept all optional cookies;
• reject non-essential cookies;
• choose categories individually where that functionality is offered; and
• revisit their choices later through a visible settings link or icon.

8.2 Through browser settings

Most browsers allow users to block, delete, or restrict cookies. Users can usually also clear stored site data and browser storage through their browser settings.

However, blocking all cookies can affect how websites function. In particular, some strictly necessary features on CompareServices may stop working correctly if the browser is configured to reject all storage technologies.

8.3 Through third-party opt-out tools

Some advertising and analytics providers offer additional controls or browser add-ons that allow users to limit or opt out of certain data collection activities. These tools are controlled by the relevant third party, not by CompareServices.

9. Consequences of refusing optional cookies

Users can still browse most of the website without accepting optional cookies. However, if optional analytics or advertising cookies are refused:

• website measurement may be less detailed;
• some campaign attribution may not work;
• certain embedded features may not behave in the same way;
• and the site may not be optimised based on full aggregated usage data.

Refusing optional cookies will not prevent access to core informational pages unless a feature genuinely depends on a strictly necessary technology.

10. Data protection and international transfers

Some third-party cookie providers may process personal data outside the UK. For example, Google services may involve international data transfers depending on the product configuration and account settings.

Where personal data is processed through cookie-related technologies, the wider rules in our Privacy Policy also apply, including our explanation of lawful bases, data sharing, retention, safeguards, and individual rights.

For more information about how Google handles data transfers, please see Google’s Data Processing Terms.

11. Updates to this cookie policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• changes to law or regulatory guidance;
• changes to the website or consent mechanism;
• new or removed cookies and tools;
• changes to analytics, advertising, or security providers; or
• operational or compliance improvements.

When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, refresh the cookie banner, user notices, or consent requests.

12. Contact us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies and similar technologies, contact us at:

CompareServices.co.uk
Email: privacy@compareservices.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 1234 5678

For general enquiries, please use our contact page.

If you believe your privacy rights have been infringed, you may also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).