Last updated: 14 July 2026 Data Controller: Hamilton Clearances Contact: bigsmers@hotmail.com · [PHONE]
This policy explains what personal data we collect when you use this website or book a clearance or removal with us, why we collect it, how long we keep it, and your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who we are
Hamilton Clearances is a clearance and removals service covering Hamilton, Motherwell and the wider Lanarkshire area. We are the data controller for any personal data you provide to us.
What information we collect
We only collect what we need to quote, carry out, and invoice for a clearance or removal job. Specifically:
When you contact us (phone, WhatsApp, email, or our website form)
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- The property postcode and address the job relates to
- Job details you choose to share (rooms, items, access notes, photos)
When you book a job with us
- Everything above, plus:
- Billing address and business name (if different from the job address)
- Payment details (we do NOT store full card details — card payments are processed via our payment provider and they handle the card data; we only see transaction confirmation)
When you visit this website
- Standard server logs (your IP address, browser type, page visited, time of visit) — kept for 30 days for security and analytics
- Cookies — see “Cookies” section below
- If you accept analytics cookies: anonymised analytics data (we do not collect personally identifiable information via analytics)
We do NOT collect
- Special category data (health, race, religion, etc.)
- Information about anyone under 16
- Any data we don’t actively need
Why we collect it (legal basis)
| Data | Why we collect it | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Contact details | To respond to your enquiry, quote, and arrange the job | Legitimate interests / contract performance |
| Property address | To carry out the clearance or removal | Contract performance |
| Billing details | To invoice and receive payment | Contract performance |
| Job details / photos | To quote accurately and plan the job | Contract performance |
| Server logs | Site security and performance monitoring | Legitimate interests |
| Analytics | Understanding which pages are useful | Consent (via cookie banner) |
We do not sell or rent your personal data to anyone. Ever.
Who we share it with
The only third parties who see your data are: – Our website host (Namecheap) — they store the website files and serve pages to visitors – Our email provider (Microsoft / Outlook) — they handle emails between us and you – Our payment processor (bank / card payment provider) — they process card payments and bank transfers – Licensed waste-carrier and skip-hire partners — job address only, where a partner is needed to complete your job – HMRC — when legally required (for tax records) – Our accountant — for bookkeeping and tax filing
Each of these is bound by their own GDPR-compliant terms. We do not share your data with marketing companies, lead aggregators, or any third party for commercial purposes.
How long we keep it
| Data | Retention period |
|---|---|
| Quote enquiries (no job booked) | 12 months |
| Customer records (active customer) | Duration of active relationship + 7 years (HMRC tax records) |
| Invoice / payment records | 7 years (HMRC requirement) |
| Website server logs | 30 days |
| Analytics data | 26 months (Google Analytics default) |
After the retention period, data is securely deleted.
Cookies
We use cookies on this website. There are three types:
1. Essential cookies (always on) Required for the site to function — session management, form security. Cannot be disabled without breaking the site.
2. Analytics cookies (off by default — opt-in via banner) Google Analytics 4. Tracks anonymised visitor behaviour (which pages are popular, how long people stay). Helps us improve the site.
3. Marketing cookies (off by default — opt-in via banner) We don’t currently run any. If we add any in future, they will be opt-in via the cookie banner.
You can change your cookie preferences any time via the cookie banner at the bottom of the site, or by clearing cookies in your browser.
Your rights under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you (request a copy by emailing bigsmers@hotmail.com)
- Correct any inaccurate or incomplete data
- Delete your data (“right to be forgotten”) — except where we need to retain it for legal/tax reasons
- Restrict processing of your data
- Port your data to another provider
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent for marketing or analytics at any time
To exercise any of these rights, email bigsmers@hotmail.com with the subject “Data request.” We’ll respond within 30 days.
Marketing communications
We do not send marketing emails unless you have explicitly opted in, and any such email will have an unsubscribe link. We do not buy marketing lists. We do not cold-email people who haven’t asked for our communications.
Children
This website and service are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Data security
We take reasonable steps to keep your data secure: – HTTPS on the website (encrypted in transit) – Strong passwords on our admin accounts – Email accounts secured via standard provider security (Microsoft/Outlook) – Phone numbers and contact details stored on devices that are password-protected – Payment processing handled by PCI-DSS-compliant providers (we never store card details)
In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal data, we will notify you and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours as required by UK GDPR.
Changes to this policy
If we make significant changes to this policy, we’ll update the “last updated” date at the top and (if you’re an active customer) email you to let you know.
How to complain
If you’re unhappy with how we’ve handled your data, please contact us first — bigsmers@hotmail.com — and we’ll do our best to resolve it.
If you’re still unhappy, you have the right to complain to the UK supervisory authority:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF
Helpline: 0303 123 1113 Website: https://ico.org.uk
This policy was last reviewed and updated on 14 July 2026.