Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 17th June 2025
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal data when you interact with our website (www.yorkshireapiaries.uk) and services.
1. Lawful Basis for Processing Personal Data
We collect and process personal data under the following lawful bases in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018:
-
Contractual Necessity – To fulfil purchases, provide services, and process transactions.
-
Legitimate Interests – To improve website functionality, engage in marketing, and analyse trends.
-
Legal Obligation – To comply with tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements.
-
Consent – For marketing emails, blog subscriptions, and social media engagement (users can withdraw consent at any time).
2. Information We Collect
We collect personal data when:
-
You purchase products (honey, beeswax, hive sponsorships, pollination services).
-
You register for workshops or educational programs.
-
You subscribe to our newsletters or engage with blog content.
-
You interact with our website, including cookies and analytics tracking.
3. How We Use Your Data
We process customer data to:
-
Complete transactions and deliver products.
-
Provide updates on hive sponsorships and environmental initiatives.
-
Send marketing emails and newsletters (with opt-out options).
-
Improve website functionality and customer experience.
-
Manage workshop bookings and community outreach programs.
-
Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. Data Retention Policy
We retain personal data for the following durations:
-
Customer Orders & Payments: 6 years (for tax/legal compliance).
-
Newsletter & Blog Subscribers: Until users opt out or request deletion.
-
Hive Sponsorship Records: Duration of sponsorship plus 6 months for administration.
-
Workshop Registrations: 3 years for record-keeping purposes.
-
Website Inquiries & Contact Forms: 1 year unless a relationship is established.
5. Storage & Security
Our website is hosted on Wix.com, which follows industry security standards. We also use third-party services like PayPal, Stripe for payments and Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel for website tracking, all of which handle data securely.
6. Sharing Information
We do not sell personal data. However, we may share information with:
-
Service providers managing website functionality, order processing, or analytics.
-
Legal authorities if required by law.
-
Third-party integrations (such as email marketing or payment processors).
7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies for functionality, analytics, and marketing purposes. Visitors can manage cookie settings via their browser.
8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
-
Access, update, or delete your data.
-
Restrict processing or object to marketing communications.
-
Request data portability (where applicable).
-
Withdraw consent for newsletters and blog updates.
-
Raise a complaint with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page.
10. Contact Us
For privacy-related inquiries or data requests, contact us at:
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd
contact@yorkshireapiaries.uk
The Granary
Wormley Hill
Sykehouse DN14 9AG
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this Privacy Policy is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and compliance of this policy with UK data protection laws, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
However, laws and regulations may change, and we cannot guarantee that this policy will always reflect the latest legal requirements. We recommend consulting a qualified legal professional for guidance tailored to your specific business needs.
By using our website and services, you acknowledge that:
-
This Privacy Policy is subject to periodic updates.
-
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or misinterpretations of legal requirements.
-
You are responsible for reviewing this policy to stay informed of any changes.
-
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or policies of third-party service providers, including Wix, PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other external platforms that may process personal data on our behalf.
-
Third-party services have their own privacy policies, and users should review them separately to understand how their data is handled beyond our control.
If you have concerns about data protection or legal compliance, we encourage you to contact us or visit the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) website: www.ico.org.uk.
User Responsibilities – Social Media & External Payment Providers
1. Social Media Engagement
When interacting with Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd via platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or other social media channels, users acknowledge that:
-
Comments, messages, and interactions on public forums may be visible to others, and Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd is not responsible for third-party misuse of such content.
-
Users must follow platform guidelines and refrain from posting illegal, offensive, or misleading content on any official Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd accounts.
-
If participating in competitions, surveys, or promotions, users should review the terms and conditions provided.
-
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd may share user-generated content (e.g., tagged posts, testimonials) with proper attribution, but users retain rights to their own content.
-
Users should check each social media platform’s privacy policy to understand how their data may be processed beyond Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd’s control.
2. External Payment Providers
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd may offer third-party payment options such as Stripe, PayPal, or other secure payment processors. When using these services, users acknowledge that:
-
Payment transactions are securely processed outside of Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd’s direct control and are subject to the privacy and security policies of the payment provider.
-
Refunds, disputes, and transaction issues should be addressed directly with the payment provider where applicable, though Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd will assist where possible.
-
Users are responsible for ensuring they provide accurate billing and transaction details to avoid delays or processing errors.
-
Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd is not liable for data breaches or errors occurring within third-party payment platforms, though it ensures compliance with secure integration practices.
3. General User Conduct & Data Protection
-
Users must not share sensitive financial information (such as card details) over email or direct messages with Yorkshire Apiaries Ltd.
-
Any suspicious activity or potential fraud related to payments or social media interactions should be reported immediately.
-
Users should review privacy settings on social media platforms and payment accounts to manage their own data security effectively.