Your Privacy Matters: This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
1. Introduction
TradeMatch UK ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.
We are registered under the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email, phone number, password, postcode
- Profile Information: Company name (tradespeople), services offered, experience
- Quote Information: Project descriptions, budgets, timelines, property details
- Bid Information: Pricing, timelines, proposals
- Communications: Messages between users, support inquiries
- Reviews and Ratings: Feedback about services
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
- Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and maintain our platform services
- Match customers with tradespeople
- Process quotes and bids
- Facilitate communication between users
- Verify tradesperson credentials
- Process payments and commissions
- Send service-related notifications
- Improve our platform and user experience
- Prevent fraud and enhance security
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
We process your data under the following legal bases:
- Contract: To provide services you've requested
- Legitimate Interest: To improve our platform and prevent fraud
- Consent: For marketing communications (you can opt out anytime)
- Legal Obligation: To comply with laws and regulations
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 With Other Users
We share relevant information between customers and tradespeople to facilitate services:
- Customers see tradesperson profiles, ratings, and bid details
- Tradespeople see customer project requirements and contact info after bidding
5.2 With Service Providers
We share data with trusted third parties who help us operate:
- Payment processors (e.g., Stripe)
- Cloud hosting providers (e.g., AWS)
- Email service providers
- Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal process
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Investigate fraud or security issues
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures including:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Access controls and authentication requirements
- Employee training on data protection
- Regular backups and disaster recovery plans
Note: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services to you
- Comply with legal obligations (typically 6 years for financial records)
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
You can request deletion of your account at any time (see Your Rights section).
8. Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Restriction: Limit how we use your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Object: Object to certain types of processing
- Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@tradematch.co.uk
9. Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Keep you logged in
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze platform usage
- Improve user experience
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit platform functionality.
10. Third-Party Links
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing them with personal information.
11. Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
12. International Data Transfers
Your data may be processed in countries outside the UK/EEA. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:
- Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the EU Commission
- Adequacy decisions by the UK/EU
- Privacy Shield certification (where applicable)
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
14. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:
- Email: privacy@tradematch.co.uk
- Phone: 020 1234 5678
- Post: Data Protection Officer, TradeMatch UK, 123 Business Street, London, EC1A 1BB
15. Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's supervisory authority:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
By using TradeMatch UK, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.