Last updated: November 2025
At W.G.F. Howson Instruments, we take your privacy as seriously as we take our craftsmanship. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights as a visitor to our website, www.wgfhowsoninstruments.co.uk.
We follow the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

‍1. Who we are
W.G.F. Howson InstrumentsHandcrafted banjos made in the UKEmail: info@wgfhowsoninstruments.co.uk
We are the data controller responsible for any personal data collected through this website.

‍2. What information we collect
We collect information in two main ways:
a) Information you provide directlyWhen you complete a contact form, request a quote, or make an enquiry. This may include your name, email address, phone number, and message.
b) Information collected automatically
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When you visit our website, basic data is gathered using analytics tools to help us understand how people use the site.This may include:IP address (anonymised)Browser type and device informationPages visited and time spent on the siteReferral source (how you found us)

‍3. Tools and services we use

Microsoft Clarity – helps us understand how visitors interact with the website (e.g. clicks, scrolling, navigation) so we can improve usability. All data is anonymised and not used to identify individuals.

‍Google Analytics & Search Console – used to monitor traffic, performance, and search visibility. These services collect anonymous usage data to help us improve content and performance.

‍Webflow – hosts our website and may collect technical data necessary for security and performance.

‍Email services – we may use third-party email systems (e.g. Gmail, Outlook) to respond to your enquiries.

‍4. How we use your information
We use your information to:Respond to your enquiries or messagesProvide information about our products or servicesImprove our website and user experienceMaintain security and prevent spam or abuse
We never sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

‍5. Legal basis for processing
Under data protection law, we rely on one or more of the following legal bases:Consent – when you voluntarily provide your information (e.g. via contact form).Legitimate interests – for essential website operations, analytics, and improving our services.Legal obligation – where we must retain information for record-keeping or regulatory reasons.

‍6. Data retention
We only keep your information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose it was collected for.Contact form enquiries are usually deleted within 12 months, unless we continue communication or enter into a customer relationship.

‍7. Your rights
You have the right to:
Request access to the personal data we hold about youAsk for corrections to inaccurate dataRequest deletion of your data (where legally possible)Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@wgfhowsoninstruments.co.uk.

‍8. Cookies and tracking
We use cookies to make our website function properly and to understand how visitors interact with it.For details, please see our Cookie Policy.

‍9. Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. However, no online transmission is completely secure, so please use caution when sharing information.

‍10. Updates to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

‍Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact:
W.G.F. Howson Instruments

‍Email: info@wgfhowsoninstruments.co.uk
‍Website: www.wgfhowsoninstruments.co.uk