Privacy Policy | Locksmiths in Kent

This Privacy Policy explains how Gary Johnson (sole trader) trading as Locksmiths in Kent ("we", "us") collects and uses personal data when you use this website or request a locksmith quote through us. We are the data controller for the information you submit through this site.

1. Who we are

Locksmiths in Kent is a booking and introducer service. We are not a locksmith. We take enquiries from homeowners in Kent and pass them to a vetted independent locksmith from our network who then contacts the customer directly to agree the price and carry out the work.

Trading owner: Gary Johnson (sole trader) trading as Locksmiths in Kent
Address: 10 Hampton Road, Stansted, Essex CM24 8FE
Contact: info@locksmithsinkent.com

We are working towards registration with the UK Information Commissioner's Office. Once registered our ICO reference will appear here.

2. What information we collect

Enquiry details you give us: your name, phone number, postcode, service required and any message you add to the quote form or share with us by phone, WhatsApp or email.
Technical data: when you visit the site we automatically receive limited technical data such as IP address, browser type, referring page and pages viewed. This is used to keep the site secure and to understand traffic.
Communications: records of calls, WhatsApp messages, emails or forms you send us, so we can respond and keep an audit trail.

We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18. This site is not intended for children.

3. Why we use your information and the lawful basis

To match you with a local locksmith – lawful basis: performance of a service you have asked for (Article 6(1)(b) UK GDPR).
To contact you about your enquiry – lawful basis: your consent, given when you tick the box on the quote form (Article 6(1)(a)).
To keep records for tax, insurance and complaints – lawful basis: legitimate interests and legal obligation (Article 6(1)(c) and (f)).
To keep the website secure – lawful basis: legitimate interests.

4. Who we share your information with

Your enquiry details are shared with one vetted locksmith from our network so they can call you back and quote for the job. That locksmith becomes an independent data controller for their own records from that point on.

We may also share personal data with:

Our hosting, email and messaging providers, who process data on our behalf under written contracts.
Our accountant or insurers where required.
Law enforcement or a regulator if we are legally required to do so.

We do not sell your data. We do not share your enquiry with multiple locksmiths bidding against each other.

5. International transfers

Your data is stored in the UK or the European Economic Area. If any provider we use processes data outside the UK/EEA we rely on the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or equivalent safeguards.

6. How long we keep your data

Enquiry records: up to 24 months after your last contact, then deleted or anonymised.
Financial and tax records: 6 years, as required by HMRC.
Marketing consent records (if any): until you withdraw consent.

7. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Have inaccurate data corrected.
Have your data deleted where there is no ongoing lawful basis for us to hold it.
Restrict or object to processing.
Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the basis).
Complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk) if you believe we have handled your data unlawfully.

To exercise any of these rights, email info@locksmithsinkent.com. We aim to respond within one calendar month.

8. Marketing

We do not send marketing emails or texts without your specific, opt-in consent. You can withdraw consent at any time by emailing us.

9. Cookies

We use only cookies strictly necessary for the site to work. If we add analytics or advertising cookies in the future, we will ask for your consent through a banner first. See our Cookie Policy.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.