Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1st May 2025

Kent Business Newsletter ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information and your rights under the UK’s data protection laws.

This policy applies to all services provided by Kent Business Newsletter (the "Services"), including:

  • Our website www.kentbusinessnewsletter.co.uk

  • Email newsletters

  • Social media channels

  • Any interactions you have with us online or offline where we refer to this Privacy Policy

If you have any questions, you can contact us at [email protected].

1. Who We Are

Kent Business Newsletter is an independent UK-based platform providing local business news, updates, interviews, and curated content for business owners, professionals, and residents across Kent.

This Privacy Policy is governed by UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. When This Policy Applies

This policy applies any time you use our website, sign up to our newsletter, engage with us on social media, or contact us directly.

By using the Services, you confirm that you’ve read and agree to this policy. We may update it from time to time, and we’ll always post the latest version on our website. If there are material changes, we’ll let you know by email (if we have your details).

3. What Information We Collect

a) Information you provide directly

You may provide personal data to us when you:

  • Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Contact us directly (e.g. via email or contact forms)

  • Respond to surveys or promotions

  • Submit content or event listings

This may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Business name

  • Business location

  • Job role

  • Social media handle (if provided)

  • Preferences (e.g. content interests)

We don’t knowingly collect sensitive personal information (e.g. health data, political beliefs) and we don’t ask for it. If you choose to share such data, it will only be used for its intended purpose and never sold or disclosed without your consent.

b) Information collected automatically

When you use our website or open our emails, we may collect:

  • Your IP address

  • Device information (e.g. browser, operating system)

  • Usage data (e.g. pages viewed, links clicked)

  • General location (e.g. town or city)

  • Whether you opened or clicked an email

We use cookies and similar technologies to gather this data. You can manage your cookie settings through your browser.

c) Information from third parties

We may receive data from platforms we use, like our newsletter provider (e.g. Beehiiv), website analytics (e.g. Google Analytics), or social media sites if you engage with our pages or ads.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

  • Send you the newsletter and any updates you’ve subscribed to

  • Personalise content based on your interests

  • Understand how our website and emails are used

  • Improve our content and services

  • Respond to your questions or requests

  • Promote relevant events, products, or services

  • Prevent abuse or fraud

  • Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

We may create aggregated or anonymised data from your information to help us understand trends and performance. This data cannot identify you.

We only use your data when we have a lawful reason to do so. These include:

  • Consent – where you’ve opted in (e.g. newsletter sign-up)

  • Legitimate interests – such as improving our services or analysing performance

  • Legal obligation – where required by law or regulation

  • Contractual necessity – if you purchase a paid service or product from us (if applicable)

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share it with:

  • Service providers – such as Beehiiv (our newsletter platform), Google Analytics, web hosts, or email services

  • Legal authorities – if required by law

  • Marketing and advertising partners – only with your consent (e.g. for sponsored content or competitions)

  • Affiliates or acquirers – if the business is sold or merged in future

All third parties must meet strict data protection and confidentiality requirements. Where data is transferred outside the UK (e.g. to US-based services like Google or Beehiiv), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

7. Advertising and Analytics

We may use tools like Google Analytics or social media platforms (e.g. Facebook) to:

  • Understand website usage

  • Track newsletter engagement

  • Show you relevant ads about Kent Business Newsletter

We do not track you across third-party websites and we never share your data for unrelated third-party marketing without your consent.

You can opt out of most online behavioural advertising via:

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your data only as long as needed:

  • While you’re subscribed to the newsletter

  • To comply with legal, tax, or regulatory requirements

  • To resolve any disputes or enforce agreements

You can unsubscribe at any time, and we’ll delete or anonymise your data unless we’re required to keep it for legal reasons.

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have rights over your personal data. You can:

  • Request a copy of the data we hold about you

  • Ask us to correct incorrect or outdated information

  • Ask us to delete your data

  • Object to certain types of use (e.g. marketing)

  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, email us at [email protected]. We’ll respond within one month.

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Enable essential site functionality

  • Track website performance

  • Improve your user experience

You’ll be shown a cookie banner the first time you visit. You can also block or delete cookies through your browser settings.

11. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your data through encryption, secure platforms, and access controls. However, no online service is completely risk-free. If you believe your data has been compromised, please contact us immediately.

12. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, please contact us and we will delete it.

We may include links to other websites or news outlets. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please read their privacy policies if you visit those sites.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Kent Business Newsletter
Email: [email protected]