Cookie Policy


The law on cookies demands that you, as a website user, are given the opportunity to understand how cookies are used on our website and consent to cookies being stored on your computer (laptop/mobile/tablet).

What are cookies?

A cookie is a small text file, typically of letters and numbers, downloaded to your computer when you access websites. Typically, they contain the following information: a site name and unique user ID, the duration of the cookie's abilities and effects, and a random number. As a rule, cookies cannot be used to reveal your identity or personally identifying information.

When you visit a website that uses cookies for the first time, a cookie is downloaded onto your computer. The next time you visit that website, your computer checks to see if it has a cookie that is relevant and sends the information contained in that cookie back to the website. The website then notes that you have been there before, and in some cases, tailors what pops up on screen to take account of that fact. They also might record how long you spend on each page on a site or what links you click.

Generally, the role of cookies is beneficial, making your interaction with frequently-visited sites smoother with no extra effort on your part. Without cookies, online shopping would be much harder. Without cookies, some websites will become less interactive with the cookie option turned off.

Most common cookies

Session cookies

These cookies expire when you close your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome). These cookies are used for various reasons, for example, remembering what you have put in your shopping basket as you browse a website. They can also be used for security to access your account.

Persistent cookies

These cookies are still stored on your computer after you have closed your web browser which allows your preferences on websites to be remembered. These cookies are used for a variety of purposes, for example, remembering your preferences on a website (your language choice or your username on a particular website).

First and Third Party cookies

This refers to the website placing the cookie. First party cookies are cookies set by the website you are visiting. Third party cookies are set by another website; the website you are visiting may have advertising on the page and this other website will be able to set a cookie on your computer. Third party cookies on the main web browsers allow third party cookies by default. Changing the settings on your browsers can prevent this.

Exceptions

There are some exemptions to the above where it is essential for a website to store information on your computer, for example, to provide a service to you that you have requested.

Our use of cookies

  • We use cookies to improve your experience on our websites and for functionality purposes, for example, if you choose to apply for any of our products and services, you must consent to us placing a cookie on your computer. 
  • We use cookies to understand your usage of our website. For example use Google Analytics, a popular web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. Google Analytics uses cookies to help us compile monitor website traffic such as: how many users come to our website; the pages that generate interest; and the links that users click on the most. This information helps us to improve our website. Google Analytics uses cookies which do not enable any website user to be individually identified. These cookies will only be used for website analytics purposes. Click here for an overview of the privacy and security policy for Google Analytics.   By using this website, you consent to the use of the Google Analytics cookie in the manner and for the purposes set out above.
  • We also use third party cookies for communication reasons.