Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Drive Empire ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website drive-empire.com or use our services.

We are registered in England and Wales. Our registered address is 45 Cromwell Road, Manchester M15 6BH, United Kingdom.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
• Project requirements and property information
• Communication preferences
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
• Marketing preferences and newsletter subscriptions

2.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Website usage data and page views
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Referral source and search terms

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing quotes and consultations for smart lighting services
• Processing and fulfilling service requests
• Communicating about projects, appointments, and services
• Sending newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Improving our website and services
• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting our business interests and detecting fraud

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on:

• Contract: To fulfill our contractual obligations for smart lighting services
• Consent: For marketing communications and newsletter subscriptions
• Legitimate Interest: For business operations, website improvement, and fraud prevention
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in delivering our services
• Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and other professional service providers
• Regulatory Bodies: When required by law or regulation
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Customer Records: 7 years after the last service (for tax and warranty purposes)
• Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website Analytics: 26 months maximum
• Enquiry Data: 3 years or until you request deletion

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected] or +44 161 294 9504.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Ensure proper website functionality
• Analyze website performance and user behavior
• Personalize your experience
• Provide targeted marketing (with your consent)

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent tool or your browser settings. For detailed information, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

• Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure data storage and backup procedures
• Regular monitoring for unauthorized access

10. International Data Transfers

We primarily process data within the UK. If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure adequate protection through:

• Adequacy decisions by the UK government
• Standard contractual clauses
• Other appropriate safeguards as required by law

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for material changes (where required)

13. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, contact us:

14. Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with this policy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):