This policy explains what information Smart SME (“we”, “us”) collects when you visit smartsme.co.uk, how we use it, and the choices you have. Last updated: 31 July 2026.
Who we are
Smart SME is the UK’s publication for smart SMEs, published from the United Kingdom. You can contact us about anything in this policy at jb@smartsme.co.uk.
What we collect and why
- Analytics: with your consent, we use Google Analytics 4 to understand how the site is used, such as which pages are read, the type of device and browser, and approximate location derived from your IP address. This helps us understand what readers find useful. Analytics runs only if you choose Accept on our cookie banner.
- Correspondence: if you email us, we keep the correspondence for as long as needed to deal with your enquiry.
- Server logs: our hosting provider keeps standard server logs, including IP addresses and request times, for security and reliability.
Cookies
If you accept analytics on our cookie banner, Google Analytics sets cookies named _ga and _ga_* which last up to two years. Your consent choice itself is stored in your browser’s local storage under the key smartsme-consent so that we do not ask you on every visit. If you decline, no analytics cookies are set.
Legal bases
We rely on your consent for analytics, and on our legitimate interests for site security and for responding to enquiries you send us.
Who we share information with
Google processes analytics data on our behalf. Our hosting provider, SiteGround, processes server logs. We do not sell personal information, and we do not share it with anyone else except where the law requires.
How long we keep information
Analytics data is retained in Google Analytics for up to 14 months. Email correspondence is kept for as long as needed to deal with the matter it relates to.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, to object to or restrict how we use it, and to data portability. To exercise any of these rights, email jb@smartsme.co.uk. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.
Changes to this policy
If we change how we handle personal information, we will update this page and revise the date at the top.