Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are tiny text files that websites store on your device. They help websites remember things about you, like your preferences or how you use the site.
I use cookies to understand how people use my website so I can make it better. That's it. No tracking you across the internet, no selling your data, nothing creepy.
Cookies I Use
Google Analytics (Optional)
What it does: Tracks which pages people visit, how long they stay, and how they found my site.
Why I use it: To understand what content is useful and what needs improving.
Your choice: When you first visit this site, you'll see a banner asking if you consent to analytics cookies. You can accept or decline. Your choice is stored so you won't see the banner again.
Type: Analytics / Performance cookies
Duration: Up to 2 years (only if you accept)
Specific cookies (only if you accept):
_ga- Distinguishes unique visitors (2 years)_gid- Distinguishes unique visitors (24 hours)_gat- Throttles request rate (1 minute)
Essential Cookie (Always Active)
What it does: Remembers your cookie consent choice (accept or decline).
Why it's essential: Without this, you'd see the cookie banner every time you visit. This is a "strictly necessary" cookie that doesn't require consent under UK law.
Cookie name: cookie-consent
Duration: Permanent (until you clear browser data)
That's it. I don't use advertising cookies, social media tracking pixels, or any other tracking technology.
What I Don't Use
- No advertising cookies - I don't run ads or retarget you
- No social media pixels - Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. tracking is not on my site
- No third-party trackers - Just Google Analytics (if you consent), nothing else
- No cross-site tracking - I don't follow you around the internet
How to Control Cookies
You're in control. Here are your options:
Change Your Cookie Preferences
To change your mind about analytics cookies:
- Clear your browser's local storage or cookies for this site
- Refresh the page - the cookie banner will appear again
- Make your new choice (Accept or Decline)
Block Google Analytics
Install Google's official opt-out browser add-on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Block All Cookies
You can disable cookies entirely in your browser settings. Here's how:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Block all cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Note: Blocking cookies won't affect how my website works. You'll still be able to browse and contact me normally.
Delete Existing Cookies
You can delete cookies already stored on your device through your browser settings (same menus as above).
The Cookie Banner
When you first visit this site, you'll see a banner at the bottom of the page asking for your consent to use Google Analytics.
You have two options:
- Accept Analytics: Google Analytics will be enabled and I can see how the site is performing
- Decline: No analytics cookies will be set. I won't know you visited.
Your choice is remembered so you won't see the banner again on future visits. You can change your mind anytime using the methods described above.
Links to Other Websites
My website might link to other sites (like Google Maps or social media). Those sites have their own cookie policies which I don't control. If you click through to another site, check their cookie policy.
Changes to This Policy
If I start using different cookies, I'll update this page and change the "Last updated" date at the top. If it's a major change, I'll make it obvious on the site.
Questions?
If you have any questions about cookies or how I use them, get in touch:
More Information About Cookies
Want to learn more about cookies in general? Check out:
- aboutcookies.org - Independent information about cookies
- ICO Cookie Guidance - UK regulator's advice