Effective Date: 16 April 2025

Stephsam Ventures (“we,” “us,” or= “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal data when you visit our website (https://stephsamventures.co.uk), make purchases, or interact with us. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable laws.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

Personal Information: Name, email address, postal address, phone number, and payment details provided when you create an account, place an order, or contact us.
Transaction Data: Details about your purchases, including products ordered, payment methods, and delivery details.
Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and browsing behavior collected via cookies and analytics tools.
Communication Data: Information you provide when contacting us via email, phone, or customer support forms.
Marketing Preferences: Your preferences for receiving marketing communications or newsletters.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

To process and fulfill your orders, including delivery of frozen food products.
To manage your account and provide customer support.
To send you order confirmations, delivery updates, and other transactional communications.
To improve our website, products, and services through analytics and user feedback.
To send marketing communications (e.g., promotions, new product launches) if you have opted in.
To comply with legal obligations, such as tax reporting or product safety regulations.
To prevent fraud and ensure the security of our website and services.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Contract: To fulfill our contract with you (e.g., processing orders).
Consent: For marketing communications or non-essential cookies, where you have given explicit consent.
Legitimate Interests: For activities like improving our services or preventing fraud, where our interests do not override your rights.
Legal Obligation: To comply with laws, such as tax or consumer protection regulations.

4. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal data with:

Service Providers: Third parties who assist with payment processing, delivery (e.g., couriers), website hosting, or marketing, under strict data protection agreements.
Legal Authorities: When required by law, such as for tax purposes or in response to a court order.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

5. International Transfers

If we transfer your data outside the UK (e.g., to EU or other countries for processing), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions, to comply with UK GDPR.

6. Data Security

We use industry-standard measures (e.g., encryption, secure servers, and access controls) to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal exceptions).
Restriction: Limit how we process your data in certain cases.
Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., for marketing).

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@stephsamventures.co.uk. We will respond within one month, extendable to three months for complex requests.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Essential cookies are necessary for website functionality, while non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics, marketing) require your consent. You can manage cookie preferences via our cookie banner or browser settings. For details, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined, or as required by law (e.g., tax records for 6 years). For example:

Order data: Retained for 6 years for tax purposes.
Account data: Retained until you request deletion or the account is inactive for 2 years.
Marketing data: Retained until you unsubscribe.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., payment processors). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing data.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16. If we learn we have collected data from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will delete it.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect legal or operational changes. We will notify you of significant changes via email or a website notice. The updated policy will be effective from the date stated.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: info@stephsamventures.co.uk
Address: StephSam Ventures Limited, Unit 9,51-55 Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre, Bridgwater TA6 5AW, United Kingdom

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales.