Privacy Policy

Last updated: 18 September 2025

 

This Privacy Policy explains how I, Helen Kent, trading as a sole trader under the name Helen Kent, collect, use, and share personal information when you visit, browse, or make a purchase from my website: www.giraffebear.co.uk (the “Site”).

By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection laws.

 

1. Collecting Personal Information

When you visit the Site or make a purchase, I may collect the following information:

a. Personal Information You Provide

  • Name
     
  • Billing and shipping address
     
  • Email address
     
  • Phone number (if provided)
     
  • Payment details (processed securely via Square; I do not see or store your full card information)
     
  • Order history

 

b. Children’s Privacy

My Site and Products are intended for purchase by adults. I do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 13. If you believe I have inadvertently collected information about a child, please contact me immediately and I will delete it.
 

c. Automatically Collected Information

The Site may collect certain technical information automatically, primarily through my website provider (IONOS), to support basic functionality and security:

  • IP address
     
  • Browser type and version
     
  • Device information
     
  • Pages viewed
     
  • Date and time of access
     
  • Referring site (if applicable)
     

This data is collected using cookies and similar technologies (see section 5 below).

 

2. Using Personal Information

I use the information I collect to:

  • Process and fulfil your orders
     
  • Communicate with you (e.g. order confirmations, customer service)
     
  • Respond to queries or complaints
     
  • Improve the performance of my website and customer experience
     
  • Comply with legal obligations (e.g. record-keeping, tax law)
     

I only process your personal data where I have a lawful basis to do so, such as:

  • Fulfilling a contract (your purchase)
     
  • Complying with a legal obligation
     
  • Consent (e.g. marketing emails)
     
  • Legitimate interests (e.g. preventing fraud)
     

I do not currently use your personal data for marketing or advertising. If that changes in the future, I will ask for your consent before sending any promotional messages.

 

If you opt in to receive marketing emails (such as news or promotions), I will only send these with your explicit consent. You can withdraw this consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in any marketing email or by contacting me at the email below.

 

3. Sharing Personal Information

I do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

However, I may share your personal information with trusted service providers where necessary, including:

  • IONOS by 1&1 (website hosting provider)
     
  • Square (payment processor)
     
  • Royal Mail or other couriers (for delivery)
     
  • Email providers (to send order confirmations or responses)
     
  • Professional advisors (e.g. accountants or legal advisors, if needed for compliance)
     

All third-party service providers are only given the minimum information needed and must process your data in accordance with UK GDPR.

 

4. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you
     
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
     
  • Request erasure (in certain circumstances)
     
  • Object to or restrict data processing
     
  • Withdraw consent (for example, unsubscribe from marketing emails)
     
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been misused
     

To exercise your rights, contact me at: email@giraffebear.co.uk

 

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This Site uses cookies and similar technologies to ensure it functions correctly and securely. I do not actively use any additional tracking tools (such as Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel), and I do not use cookies for advertising or behavioural profiling.

However, my website provider (IONOS by 1&1) may collect basic technical data (e.g. IP address, browser type, device information) to help monitor website performance, security, and server stability. This may involve the use of essential or functional cookies.

When you visit the Site, a cookie banner will request your consent for any non-essential cookies (if applicable). You can manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings or by visiting: https://www.aboutcookies.org

For more information, please see the Cookie Policy for IONOS. https://resources.ionos.co.uk/cookies

 

 

6. Data Retention

I retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Complete your order
     
  • Comply with legal and tax obligations (e.g. 6 years for accounting records under UK law)
     
  • Resolve disputes or enforce agreements
     

After this period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

 

7. Security

I take appropriate security measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Secure HTTPS encryption
     
  • Password-protected systems
     
  • Trusted third-party providers with UK/EU data compliance
     

While I take precautions, no online transmission can be guaranteed 100% secure.

 

8. International Data Transfers

Some of my service providers (e.g. payment processors or email platforms) may process data outside the UK or EEA. Where this occurs, I ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as UK-approved Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions.

 

9. Contact Information

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

Helen Kent
email@giraffebear.co.uk
Business Address: 18 Essex Close, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1SH.

 

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated occasionally to reflect changes in laws or business operations. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Please review it regularly.

 

Thank you for trusting GiraffeBear. I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a safe and secure shopping experience.


 

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