Privacy Policy, Cookie Statement & GDPR

This Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement explains how House of Oak ("we", "our", "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you visit and interact with our website (www.houseofoak.co.uk).

Please note that this policy applies only to our website and not to external links. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of third-party websites separately.

1. Privacy Policy & GDPR Compliance

Our approach to data protection complies fully with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), tailored specifically for post-Brexit regulations effective as of 1 January 2021, and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1.1 Your GDPR Rights

You have the following rights concerning your personal data:

• Right of access to your personal data.
• Right to rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to restrict data processing.
• Right to data portability (to yourself or a third party).
• Right to object to data processing, including profiling and automated decision-making.
• Right to withdraw consent at any time.
• Right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

1.2 Information & Data Collected

We only collect essential personal information required to fulfil your orders or enquiries. This may include:

• Name
• Delivery and billing address
• Email address
• Contact telephone number
• Order details and transaction history

1.3 How We Use Your Data

Personal data collected is used solely to:

• Process and manage your order or enquiry.
• Respond to your customer service requests.
• Communicate regarding your order status, including confirmations and updates.
• Manage your account on our website.
• Provide optional marketing communications (subject to your explicit consent).

Marketing communications will be sent only if you've explicitly opted in, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

1.4 Data Sharing

We do not sell personal data. Your information may only be shared with trusted third parties integral to fulfilling your order or service:

• Payment processing providers
• Delivery/logistics companies
• Website hosting providers
• Email service providers
• Website analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
• IT support providers

1.5 Data Security

Our website employs secure HTTPS encryption to protect your data. All internal data processing follows stringent security policies, including encryption, access control, secure passwords, firewall protection, anti-virus and anti-malware solutions, and strict data breach management protocols.

1.6 Data Retention

We retain your personal data for no longer than necessary for the purpose collected or as legally required, typically for a maximum of six years, unless you request earlier deletion.

2. Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure website functionality.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files placed on your device that enable specific features and functions on our website, allowing us to monitor and improve the user experience.

Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential): Required for website navigation and basic functionality, such as keeping you logged in or processing payments.

Performance Cookies (Non-essential): Google Analytics cookies help us understand visitor interactions, including page popularity, enabling us to improve website performance.

Cookie Categories by Intrusiveness

ZERO (Strictly Necessary): Essential for website functionality, requiring no explicit consent.

LOW (Performance): Includes Google Analytics; consent is requested through a cookie banner upon visiting our website.

We do not use Medium or High intrusiveness cookies (e.g., behavioural advertising or tracking cookies).

Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings via your web browser preferences:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari

Declining cookies may limit some website functionality.

3. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We do not control the privacy practices of third-party websites. You should review their individual privacy policies before sharing any personal data.

Last updated: March 2025