Effective date: 4 October 2026
This privacy and cookies notice explains how Cowries Group Ltd uses personal information through www.cowriesgroup.uk, our business enquiries, recruitment activity and related services. Cowries Group Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 14820511, with its registered office at 47 Lord Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2DD, United Kingdom.
Information we may collect
- identity and contact details you provide;
- business-account, supplier, manufacturer and authorised-contact information;
- enquiry, complaint, recruitment and correspondence records;
- order, payment and delivery information when relevant to a service;
- documents submitted through an approved secure verification process;
- technical information such as IP address, browser, device, security logs and cookie choices;
- website usage information where analytics cookies have been accepted.
How we use information and our lawful bases
We process personal information only where we have a lawful basis. Depending on the activity, this may be to take steps before entering or performing a contract, comply with a legal obligation, pursue legitimate interests such as responding to enquiries, securing our systems and improving services, or act on consent for optional marketing and non-essential cookies.
We use information to provide and support services; administer customer or business accounts; review suppliers and partners; manage recruitment; process orders and payments; prevent fraud; maintain security; answer complaints; keep legal and financial records; and improve website performance.
Business documents and identity information
Business documents should be uploaded only through the approved secure process. Do not send passports, biometric residence permits, bank credentials or other personal identity documents by ordinary email unless Cowries Group has specifically confirmed a secure and necessary method. Access is limited to authorised personnel and providers who require it for the stated purpose.
Who we share information with
We may share relevant information with website and hosting providers, Shopify and ecommerce providers, payment processors, email and communications providers, analytics providers where consent applies, accountants and professional advisers, delivery or fulfilment partners, identity or fraud-prevention providers, insurers, regulators, law-enforcement bodies and other parties where disclosure is lawful and necessary.
We do not sell personal information. If a provider processes information outside the United Kingdom, we use an appropriate safeguard where required, such as an adequacy regulation or approved contractual protection.
How long we keep information
We keep personal information only for as long as needed for the relevant purpose, legal obligations, dispute management and security. Indicative periods include: general enquiries for up to two years; unsuccessful recruitment records for up to six months unless a longer period is agreed or required; and accounting, transaction and contractual records for the applicable statutory or limitation period, commonly six years. Security records and cookies may have shorter periods. We may retain anonymised information that no longer identifies an individual.
Your rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights to access, correct, erase or restrict personal information; object to processing; receive portable information; withdraw consent; and complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office. Some rights are subject to legal exceptions. Contact us using the details displayed on this website and clearly describe your request.
Cookies and similar technologies
Strictly necessary technologies may operate to provide security, remember privacy choices, maintain sessions and deliver requested functions. Optional analytics, advertising or other non-essential technologies should not operate until valid consent is given. You can reject optional technologies or change your preference through the website’s consent controls. Browser settings may also block or remove cookies, although essential functions can be affected.
Where the website links to or embeds third-party services, those organisations may process information under their own privacy notices. The Shopify marketplace at shop.cowriesgroup.uk has separate ecommerce privacy information and controls.
Marketing
We send electronic marketing only where permitted. You can unsubscribe at any time using the message control or by contacting us. Service and transactional messages are not marketing and may still be necessary.
Children
This general corporate website is not designed for children to submit personal information independently. Where education or community activity involves a child, we will apply appropriate consent, safeguarding and age-appropriate privacy information.
Security
We use proportionate organisational and technical measures to protect personal information. No internet service is completely risk-free, so visitors should use official links and avoid sending sensitive information through unsecured channels.
Updates and contact
We will update this notice when our services, providers or legal duties materially change. Questions, requests or complaints can be sent using the official contact details on www.cowriesgroup.uk. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.