Privacy Policy

Last updated: [To be provided: date this policy is published]

Who we are

Essex Comfort Connect ("Essex Comfort", "we", "us") runs this directory of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors in Essex and helps customers get in touch with suitable contractors.

The organisation responsible for your information (the data controller) is [To be provided: legal name of the person or business responsible], [To be provided: postal address]. [To be provided: company registration number and ICO registration number, if applicable].

What information we collect

When you request a quote we collect:

• your name, phone number and email address
• your postcode, town and property type (for example residential or commercial)
• the services you need, your timeframe and a description of the job
• any photos you choose to upload
• a record that you agreed to us sharing your details, and when

If you claim a business listing we collect the owner's name, work email, phone number and the proof of ownership note you provide.

Why we collect it

We use your information to handle your enquiry, find suitable local contractors, contact you about your request and keep a record of how your enquiry was handled. We rely on your consent, given on the quote form, to share your details with contractors.

Sharing with contractors

Information you submit through the quote form may be shared with selected suitable contractors so they can respond to your enquiry. We first send a contractor a summary of the job only: a lead reference, your town and the first part of your postcode, property type, the service required and your timeframe. Your name, phone number, email address, full address, job description and photos are not included in that first message.

If a contractor says they are interested, we may then pass on your name, contact details and job details to that contractor so they can arrange the work. Contractors are independent businesses and are responsible for how they use your information once they receive it.

Photos

Photos you upload are stored privately. They are not published on the website and are only viewed by Essex Comfort administrators. They are not attached to the first message we send to contractors.

How we store your information

Your information is stored in a secure hosted database and private file storage provided by our website platform, Lovable (Lovable Cloud). Access is restricted to authorised administrators who must sign in.

How long we keep it

We keep enquiry information for [To be provided: retention period, e.g. 24 months after the enquiry], unless you ask us to delete it sooner or we need to keep it longer for a legal reason.

Your rights

You can ask us to:

• give you a copy of the information we hold about you
• correct information that is wrong
• delete your information
• stop sharing your information with contractors (withdraw your consent)

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk).

Contacting us about your data

To make a request or ask a question, contact [To be provided: privacy contact email address]. Please include your name and the email or phone number you used on the quote form.

Emails we send

Emails such as enquiry notifications are sent using the email service provided by Lovable, our website platform.

Cookies and analytics

This website does not use advertising or analytics cookies. If you sign in as an administrator, your browser stores a sign-in session so you stay logged in. [To be provided: confirm whether your hosting or domain provider adds any analytics]

We don't sell your information

We do not sell your information or provide it to anyone as a general marketing list.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be on this page.