Privacy notice
1. About this policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Trade Studio collects, uses, stores and shares personal information when you visit our website, enquire about our services, purchase or use Trade Studio, create an account, contact support or otherwise interact with us.
2. Who we are
Trade Studio operates from 14–18 Hill Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3JZ, Scotland.
For privacy questions or data protection requests, email info@tradestudio.net.
3. Our role when providing customer websites
Trade Studio provides website software, management tools and related services to trade businesses.
For information collected directly by Trade Studio for our own business purposes, Trade Studio will normally act as the data controller.
A Trade Studio customer will normally be the data controller for personal information collected through that customer's website. Where Trade Studio handles that information only on the customer's instructions, Trade Studio will normally act as a data processor.
4. Information we may collect
Identity and contact information
This may include your name, business name, role, postal address, email address, telephone number and other contact details.
Business information
This may include services, service areas, business descriptions, opening hours, branding, design preferences, reviews, project descriptions, photographs, videos and information supplied during onboarding.
Account information
This may include usernames, securely stored password information, permissions, login history, licence details, plan information and preferences.
Billing information
This may include purchases, invoices, billing addresses, payment status, transaction references and limited payment information supplied by a payment provider.
Communications
This may include enquiries, emails, support requests, complaints, call notes, feedback and form submissions.
Technical information
This may include IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, activity records, page views, referring website, approximate location, cookie identifiers, diagnostic information and security logs.
Customer website information
Where we provide hosting, maintenance or support, we may process information submitted through a customer's website, including contact details, enquiries, requested services, uploaded files, appointment information and communications.
5. How we obtain information
- directly from you;
- from a business or employer you represent;
- through a Trade Studio customer website;
- when you create or use an account;
- through cookies and similar technologies;
- from payment, hosting, analytics and support providers;
- from publicly available business sources; and
- from advertising or referral partners.
6. How and why we use information
Enquiries and quotations
We use contact and business information to answer questions, assess requirements, provide demonstrations and prepare quotations. Our lawful basis will normally be steps taken before entering into a contract or our legitimate interests in operating our business.
Providing products and services
We use account, business, website and contact information to set up Trade Studio, configure customer websites, activate licences, provide updates, administer accounts and fulfil contracts.
Payments and financial records
We use billing information to issue invoices, process payments, manage amounts owed and maintain accounting and tax records.
Customer support
We use account, technical and communication information to investigate issues, answer support requests and provide assistance.
Security and service improvement
We may use technical and usage information to maintain the platform, detect malicious activity, prevent fraud, diagnose faults, analyse performance and protect Trade Studio and its users.
Marketing
Where permitted by law, we may use business contact information to send relevant information about Trade Studio products and services. You can opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe option or contacting us.
Legal and regulatory purposes
We may use information to comply with laws, respond to lawful requests, establish or defend legal claims and investigate unlawful conduct.
7. Artificial intelligence features
Trade Studio may offer AI-assisted features for website content, analytics, search optimisation, page creation and support. Relevant instructions, content or business information may be sent to an AI service provider when a feature is used.
Users should not submit confidential, special-category or highly sensitive personal information unless it is necessary, lawful and appropriate. AI-generated material must be reviewed before publication or reliance.
8. Cookies and analytics
We may collect technical and usage information through cookies and similar technologies. Further details are available in our Cookie Policy.
9. Sharing information
We may share personal information with hosting providers, payment processors, email providers, analytics services, support platforms, security providers, software suppliers, AI providers, professional advisers, contractors, regulators and authorities where reasonably necessary.
We do not sell personal information.
10. International transfers
Some providers may process information outside the United Kingdom. Where this happens, we will use an appropriate legal transfer mechanism, such as an adequacy decision or approved contractual safeguards.
11. Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary. Customer and contract records may generally be retained for the duration of the relationship and for up to six years afterwards. Financial records may be retained for the period required by tax and accounting law.
12. Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect information against unauthorised access, loss, disclosure, alteration, destruction and misuse.
13. Your rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to access, correct, delete or restrict the use of your information, object to certain processing, receive certain information in a portable format and withdraw consent.
To exercise a right, email info@tradestudio.net. We may need to verify your identity.
14. Complaints
Please contact us first if you have concerns. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.
15. Children
Trade Studio is intended for businesses and business representatives. It is not directed at children.
16. Third-party websites
Our website may link to websites operated by other organisations. Trade Studio is not responsible for their privacy practices, content or security.
17. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes to our products, providers, processing activities, security arrangements or legal obligations.
18. Contact us
Trade Studio14–18 Hill Street
Edinburgh
EH2 3JZ
Scotland
Email: info@tradestudio.net