This Privacy Policy explains how Barkers Garage (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal data when you visit our website, contact us, book a service, or use our garage. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

1. Who We Are

Barkers Garage is operated by David as a sole trader, based at Unit A, Lower Yard, Spark’s Lane, Cuckfield, RH17 5JP. We are the data controller for the personal data we collect.

You can contact us about this policy or any privacy matter at:

· Email: [email protected]

· Phone: 01444 450271

· Post: Unit A, Lower Yard, Spark’s Lane, Cuckfield, RH17 5JP

2. What Personal Data We Collect

When you visit our website or enquire

· Name, email address, and phone number.

· Information you submit through contact or booking forms.

· Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited.

· Cookie data (see our Cookie Policy).

When you book or use our services

· Your home or business address.

· Vehicle details, including registration number, make, model, mileage, and service history.

· Service records, including work carried out, parts used, advisories, and MOT outcomes.

· Booking history and appointment records.

· Invoices and payment records (full payment card details are handled by our payment processor and are not stored by us).

· Correspondence between you and us, including emails, calls, and messages.

3. How we collect your personal data

We collect personal data:

· Directly from you when you contact us, book a service, or bring your vehicle to us.

· Automatically when you visit our website (through cookies and similar technologies).

· From your vehicle (e.g. registration number, mileage, diagnostic data).

· From third parties such as the DVLA (where we look up vehicle records to provide a quote or carry out work).

4. Why we use your personal data and the lawful basis

To provide our services (Article 6(1)(b) - contract)

We use your details to manage bookings, carry out work on your vehicle, take payment, and communicate with you about your service.

To send service-related communications (Article 6(1)(b) - contract / Article 6(1)(f) - legitimate interests)

We send appointment reminders, invoices, and similar transactional messages as part of providing the service. We also send MOT reminders and safety advisories to existing customers based on our legitimate interest in helping you keep your vehicle safe and legal. You can opt out at any time.

To send marketing communications (Article 6(1)(f) - legitimate interests, soft opt-in)

Where you are an existing customer, we may send you marketing about similar services we offer (for example seasonal offers or new services), under the soft opt-in provisions of PECR. You can opt out at any time, in any communication or by contacting us.

To meet legal obligations (Article 6(1)(c) - legal obligation)

We keep records to comply with tax, VAT (if applicable), and consumer law obligations.

To run our business (Article 6(1)(f) - legitimate interests)

We rely on our legitimate interests to keep customer records, prevent fraud, manage debt collection, and improve our services. You can object to processing on this basis at any time.

5. Cookies

Our website uses cookies. Full details are in our Cookie Policy, which is available on our website.

6. Who We Share Your Personal Data With

We do not sell your personal data. We share it only where necessary with:

· Our website and customer management platform provider, Begin Group Ltd, who host our website and store our customer records on our behalf as our data processor under a written data processing agreement.

· Our partner MOT garage, where we arrange MOT testing for you. We share your name, contact details, and vehicle information for the purpose of carrying out the MOT.

· Parts suppliers, where we order parts for your vehicle (typically your name and vehicle details only).

· Our payment processor, for taking payment.

· Our accountant or bookkeeper, where required.

· Our motor trade insurer, where relevant for vehicles in our custody or for courtesy car arrangements.

· Regulators, law enforcement, or government authorities (including the DVLA and DVSA) where legally required.

· A successor business in the event of a sale or reorganisation.

7. International Transfers

Some of our service providers may process data outside the UK. Where this happens, we make sure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement, the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, or an adequacy decision by the UK government.

8. How long we keep your personal data

· Customer and vehicle service records: typically 7 years from your last service, to support warranty queries, MOT history, and tax/VAT compliance.

· Booking and contact records for enquiries that did not result in work: up to 24 months.

· Financial records (invoices, payments): 6 years, in line with HMRC requirements.

· Marketing records: until you opt out, after which we keep a minimal suppression record so we do not contact you again.

· CCTV footage (if any on the premises): typically 30 days.

9. How We Protect Your Personal Data

We take reasonable technical and organisational steps to keep your data secure. This includes using a reputable customer management platform with GDPR-compliant infrastructure, secure passwords, access controls, and limiting access to personal data on a need-to-know basis.

If a personal data breach happens that is likely to result in a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and, where required, you, without undue delay.

10. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR you have the following rights:

· The right to be informed about how we use your data.

· The right of access to the personal data we hold about you.

· The right to have inaccurate data corrected.

· The right to erasure in certain circumstances.

· The right to restrict processing.

· The right to data portability.

· The right to object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

· The right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please email [email protected]. We will respond within one month.

11. Marketing Opt-out

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or text, replying STOP to a text message, or contacting us at [email protected]. Service-related messages such as appointment reminders, MOT reminders, and invoices will continue, as these are part of providing our service to you.

12. Complaints

If you have a concern about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first at [email protected] so we can try to put it right.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office:

· Website: ico.org.uk

· Phone: 0303 123 1113

13. Children

Our services are aimed at adults. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

14. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version is always available on our website. The effective date at the top shows when it was last updated.

15. Contact

Barkers Garage

Unit A, Lower Yard, Spark’s Lane, Cuckfield, RH17 5JP

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01444 450271