Privacy Policy

Driveways Southend (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides driveway and patio services across Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas. We are the data controller for the personal information we process.

If you have questions about this policy or your data, please write to us at the address above or use our website contact form.

1) What information we collect

We only collect information needed to provide quotes, deliver our services, manage our relationship with you, and meet legal obligations.

Identity & contact data: name, address, email, phone number.
Property & project data: site address, access notes, measurements, photos you share, drawings, product choices, drainage notes.
Communication data: enquiries, emails, messages, call notes.
Transactional data: quotations, invoices, payment status (we do not store full card numbers if card payments are taken via a processor).
Marketing preferences: your consent/opt-in choices.
Website/technical data (if you use our site): IP address, device/browser, pages viewed, and cookies/analytics data (see Cookies section).

Optional/occasional: if you kindly provide testimonials or before/after photos, we may process your name and images with your permission.

2) How we use your information & legal bases

We process personal data under the UK GDPR/DPA 2018 on the following bases:

To respond to enquiries and provide quotations (performance of a contract or steps prior to a contract; legitimate interests).
To schedule surveys, deliver works, and manage suppliers (performance of a contract).
To issue invoices, take payments, and maintain accounts (performance of a contract; legal obligation—tax and accounting).
To send service updates and important notices (performance of a contract/legitimate interests).
To send optional marketing (e.g., seasonal care tips, offers) (consent—you can withdraw at any time).
To improve our website and services (legitimate interests—analytics/diagnostics).
To handle complaints, warranties and legal claims (legitimate interests/legal obligation).

We will not use your data for purposes that are materially different without informing you and, where required, obtaining consent.

3) Sharing your information

We share data only with trusted recipients necessary to run our business:

Service providers: website hosting/IT support, email and CRM tools, analytics providers, payment processors.
Operational partners: waste carriers, material suppliers, subcontractors (address and site details only as needed to deliver your project).
Professional advisers & insurers: accountants, auditors, legal counsel, insurance (where reasonably necessary).
Authorities/regulators: e.g., HMRC, police, courts, or Essex County Council Highways for dropped-kerb applications, where law or your instruction requires it.

We require all third parties to respect the security of your data and treat it in accordance with the law. We do not sell personal data.

4) International transfers

Our core systems are UK/EU-based where possible. If a provider stores data outside the UK (e.g., in the EEA or countries with UK adequacy decisions, or in the US under appropriate safeguards), we ensure a lawful transfer mechanism (e.g., adequacy, IDTA/SCCs plus supplementary measures).

5) Retention — how long we keep data

We keep data only as long as necessary:

Enquiries/quotes (no contract): up to 18 months for follow-up and to improve service.
Project & customer records (if you proceed): typically 6–7 years after project completion to meet tax, accounting and warranty obligations.
Marketing lists: until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent.
Website analytics: typically 14–26 months (tool-dependent).
CCTV/Call recordings (if ever used): short retention, normally 30–90 days (only if implemented and signposted).

We may keep records longer if required by law or to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

6) Your rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to:

Access your data and get a copy.
Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erase data (where it’s no longer needed or you withdraw consent, subject to legal obligations).
Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances (especially direct marketing).
Data portability for information you provided to us with consent or contract.
Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at the postal address above or via our website contact form. We may need to verify your identity.

7) Complaints

We aim to resolve all concerns directly. If you remain unhappy, you can complain to the UK regulator:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
www.ico.org.uk | Tel: 0303 123 1113

8) Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including access controls, encryption in transit where applicable, regular updates/patching, and staff confidentiality. No system is 100% secure; we maintain procedures to detect and respond to incidents.

9) Cookies & analytics

Our website may use necessary cookies (to make the site work) and optional analytics/marketing cookies (to understand usage and improve pages). Where required, we show a cookie banner so you can accept or manage non-essential cookies. You can also control cookies via your browser settings. See our Cookie Notice (if provided) for details of specific cookies and lifespans.

10) Children’s data

Our services are directed at adults (homeowners, landlords, businesses). We do not knowingly collect children’s data. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, please contact us to remove it.

11) Changes to this policy

We may update this notice to reflect changes to our services, suppliers or the law. We’ll post the latest version on our website with the effective date above.

12) How to contact us

Data Controller: Driveways Southend
Address: Beecroft House, Lambourne Hall Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3PG, United Kingdom
How to reach us: Please write to the address above or use the contact form on our website and mark your message “Privacy”.