Use of cookies

A cookie is a small text file which is placed onto your computer (or other electronic device) when you access the Website. We use cookies and other online tracking devices on the Website to:

  • recognise you whenever you visit the Website (this speeds up your access to the Website as you do not have to log on each time)
  • obtain information about your preferences, online movements and use of the internet;
  • carry out research and statistical analysis to help improve the Website content, products and services and to help us better understand our visitor and customer requirements and interests
  • make your online experience more efficient and enjoyable.

The information we obtain from the use of cookies will not usually contain your personal data. Although we may obtain information about your device such as your IP address, your browser and/or other internet log information, this will not usually identify you personally. In certain circumstances we may collect personal information about you, but only where you voluntarily provide it (eg by completing an online form).

In most cases we will need your consent in order to use cookies on this Website. The exception is where the cookie is essential in order for us to provide you with a service you have requested (eg to enable you to put items in your shopping basket and use the check-out process).

Description of cookies

The cookies that we utilise on our Website are placed to fulfil such functions as allowing visitors to share content with a range of networking and sharing platforms, analysing how you use the Website and giving you a better more personalised experience.

Our Website uses the following cookies:

  • Session cookies expire at the end of your browser session and allow us to link your actions during that particular browser session.
  • Persistent cookies are stored on your device in between browser sessions, allowing us to remember your preferences or actions across multiple sites.

Some of the cookies we utilise on our Website include:

  • _ga
    • Definition: Used to distinguish users
    • Source: Google Analytics
    • Duration: 2 years
  • _gid
    • Definition: Used to distinguish users
    • Source: Google Analytics
    • Duration: 24 hours
  • _gat
    • Definition: Used to throttle request rate
    • Source: Google Analytics
    • Duration: 1 minute

How to turn off cookies

If you do not want to accept cookies, you can change your browser settings so that cookies are not accepted. If you do this, please be aware that you may lose some of the functionality of the Website. For further information about cookies and how to disable them please go to: www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.