Privacy Policy

Introduction

Microkerf ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your personal data when you visit our website https://microkerf.com or use our laser engineering services.

We are committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR).

Who We Are

Data Controller: Microkerf Ltd.
Address: 1 Coal Cart Road, Birstall Industrial Estate, Leicester, LE4 3BY
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0116 267 1408

As the data controller, we are responsible for deciding how and why your personal data is processed.

What Personal Information We Collect

We collect and process the following types of personal information:

Information You Provide Directly

When you contact us or use our services, we may collect:

• Contact details: Name, email address, phone number, company name, business address
• Project information: Details about your laser processing requirements, technical specifications, project timelines
• Communication records: Records of our correspondence and interactions with you
• Payment information: Billing addresses and payment details (processed through secure third-party payment providers)

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Technical information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device information
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent on our website, referral sources, user journey through our site
• Analytics data: Website performance metrics and user interaction data (collected via Google Analytics)

How We Use Your Personal Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes:

1. Providing Our Services (Legal basis: Contract performance)

• Processing and fulfilling your laser engineering service requests
• Managing project timelines and deliveries
• Providing customer support and responding to enquiries
• Processing payments and managing accounts

2. Communication (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

• Responding to your enquiries and providing information you request
• Sending project updates and service-related communications
• Providing technical support and guidance

3. Business Operations (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

• Maintaining accurate business records
• Analysing and improving our services
• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

4. Website Operation (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

• Maintaining website security and preventing misuse
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Analysing website performance and technical issues

5. Website Improvement (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

• Analysing website usage to improve user experience
• Understanding how visitors interact with our content
• Optimising our website performance and functionality

6. Marketing (Legal basis: Consent)

• With your explicit consent, we may send you information about our services, industry developments, and promotional content
• You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us or using unsubscribe links

Legal Basis for Processing

We only process your personal data when we have a legal basis to do so:

• Contract: To perform contracts we have with you or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract
• Legitimate interests: To pursue our legitimate business interests, such as improving our services and managing our business operations
• Consent: Where you have given clear consent for specific processing activities
• Legal obligation: To comply with legal or regulatory requirements

How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us deliver our services:

• Payment processors: To handle secure payment transactions
• Website service providers: For website hosting, content delivery, maintenance, security and monitoring, form processing, enquiry management and technical support
• Analytics providers: Google Analytics for website performance analysis
• Professional advisors: Legal, accounting, and business consultancy services

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, or court order, or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Respond to lawful requests from public authorities

Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

International Transfers

Our primary operations are based in the United Kingdom. If we transfer your personal data outside the UK, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

Currently, we use Google Analytics, which may involve transfers to countries outside the UK. Google has implemented appropriate safeguards for international data transfers.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected:

• Active customer data: Retained for the duration of our business relationship and up to 7 years afterwards for legal and audit purposes
• Enquiry data: Retained for up to 3 years from initial contact, unless you become a customer
• Website analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default retention period)
• Marketing data: Retained until you withdraw consent or up to 3 years of inactivity

We regularly review our data retention periods and securely delete information that is no longer needed.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against:

• Unauthorised access or disclosure
• Accidental loss or destruction
• Unlawful processing

Our security measures include:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure data storage systems
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Regular security reviews and updates
• Staff training on data protection

However, please note that internet communications are not completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the security of data transmitted over the internet.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

Right of Access

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

Right to Rectification

You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

Right to Erasure

You can request that we delete your personal information in certain circumstances.

Right to Restrict Processing

You can ask us to limit how we use your personal information in certain situations.

Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a portable format to transfer to another organisation.

Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.

Right to Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw this at any time.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within one month.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. Please see our separate Cookie Policy for detailed information about:

• What cookies we use and why
• How to manage your cookie preferences
• Third-party cookies and analytics

Marketing Communications

We will only send you marketing communications if you have given us your consent to do so. You can:

• Withdraw consent at any time by contacting us
• Use the unsubscribe link in any marketing email
• Update your preferences by contacting us

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you of any material changes through our website or direct communication
• Obtain your consent for any changes that significantly affect how we use your personal data

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

Microkerf Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1 Coal Cart Road, Birstall Industrial Estate, Leicester, LE4 3BY
Phone: 0116 267 1408

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office
Website: ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with our Cookie Policy and our Website Terms and Conditions, which govern the use of our website.