1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small files or pieces of information stored on or accessed from your device when you use a website. Similar technologies can perform related functions, including remembering preferences and measuring website use.
2. What We Use
| Type | Purpose | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Essential local storage | We use the key gf_cookie_consent to remember whether you accepted or rejected non-essential analytics. | Required to remember your preference. You can clear it through your browser storage settings. |
| Google Analytics | If you accept non-essential analytics, Google Analytics may be loaded to help us understand website use and improve performance and content. | Optional. It is not loaded by our website until you accept non-essential analytics. |
3. Google Maps on the Contact Page
Our Contact page offers an optional embedded Google Map so visitors can see our Manchester contact location. The embedded map is not loaded simply because you open the Contact page. It is loaded only if you choose Load Google Map. If you do so, Google may receive technical information such as your IP address, browser/device information and interaction data in accordance with Google's own privacy and cookie practices. The separate directions feature opens Google Maps with King Street, Manchester M2 4WQ set as the destination.
4. Microsoft Bookings and Teams
Guardian Forge uses Microsoft Bookings as the back-end calendar for online appointment scheduling. The customer-facing booking page is hosted on the Guardian Forge website. Booking information is sent to Microsoft only when the booking page needs live availability or when you submit an appointment. The booking page does not embed Microsoft's public scheduling page.
5. WhatsApp Links
Our WhatsApp buttons are ordinary links. WhatsApp/Meta is not loaded as an embedded website widget merely because you view a Guardian Forge page. If you choose to open a WhatsApp link, you leave our website and your interaction is then subject to WhatsApp/Meta's service and privacy practices.
6. Your Choice
You can accept or reject non-essential analytics using the cookie banner. You can reopen the choice using the Manage Cookies link in the footer.
You can also clear cookies and local storage through your browser settings. Doing so may cause the website to ask for your preference again.
7. Third Parties
Where you choose to use external links, the destination website may use its own cookies or similar technologies. Those are controlled by the third party, not Guardian Forge.
Google Fonts
The website uses Google Fonts to deliver the Cormorant Garamond and Inter typefaces consistently across devices. Google Fonts is a typography service rather than an advertising feature. Loading the font may involve a request to Google that includes technical information such as your IP address and browser details.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy if our website technology or analytics setup changes. We will also review the consent mechanism when relevant privacy or electronic-communications requirements change.