Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Martin Smith Chimney Services ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you:

• Contact us for chimney cleaning services
• Fill out our booking form (name, email, phone, address)
• Call or email us directly
• Visit our website (IP address, browser type, pages visited)
• Interact with us on social media

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: To provide the chimney services you requested
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and communicate with you about relevant services
• Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies (which you can withdraw at any time)
• Legal Obligation: To comply with tax, accounting, and other legal requirements

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide chimney cleaning and maintenance services
• Schedule appointments and communicate about services
• Send service reminders and follow-up communications
• Process payments and maintain financial records
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except:

• Service providers who assist us in operating our business (e.g., email service providers)
• When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• With your explicit consent

All third-party service providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Customer service records: 7 years (for tax and legal compliance)
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Cookie consent preferences: 12 months

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. You can choose to accept or decline cookies through our cookie consent banner. For detailed information about the cookies we use, please see our Cookie Policy.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing or cookies at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed within the European Economic Area (EEA). If we transfer data outside the EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

• Email: info@martinsmithchimney.com
• Phone: +353 087 914 39 38

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.