Privacy Policy

Information we may collect

• Your name, telephone number, email address and correspondence.
• Property addresses and details of proposed or neighbouring building works.
• Drawings, photographs and documents that you choose to send us.
• Information needed to prepare a quotation, respond to an enquiry or provide an instructed service.
• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information and website activity collected through security, server logs, cookies or analytics tools.

Please avoid sending information that is not relevant to your enquiry.

How and why we use personal information

We may use personal information to:

• respond to questions and review proposed building work;
• provide quotations and administer surveyor appointments;
• prepare notices, reports, Schedules of Condition and Party Wall Awards where instructed;
• communicate with owners, appointed surveyors and relevant professional advisers;
• operate, secure, maintain and improve this website;
• maintain appropriate business, insurance, accounting and legal records; and
• establish, exercise or defend legal claims where necessary.

Lawful bases

Depending on the circumstances, we process information because it is necessary to take steps at your request or perform a contract, because we have a legal obligation, because you have given consent, or because it is necessary for our legitimate interests in operating and protecting the business and providing professional services. Where we rely on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

Who we may share information with

We do not sell personal information. We may share relevant information with trusted service providers that support website hosting, email, contact forms, security, analytics, document storage and business administration. When required for an instructed Party Wall matter, information may also be shared with property owners, appointed surveyors, contractors, engineers, architects, insurers, legal advisers or public authorities where appropriate.

Providers are expected to handle information securely and only for authorised purposes. Some technology providers may process information outside the UK; where this occurs, we rely on applicable adequacy arrangements or contractual safeguards.

Cookies and website analytics

Cookies are small files stored on your device. Essential cookies may be used so the website functions securely. Optional analytics or similar cookies should only be used in accordance with the choices presented through the website’s cookie controls.

Analytics information helps us understand matters such as page visits, devices and general usage patterns. It is not used by us to make automated decisions about you. You can adjust cookie choices through the website banner, where available, and through your browser settings. Blocking certain cookies may affect parts of the website.

How long we keep information

We keep information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and to meet applicable professional, insurance, accounting and legal requirements. The period depends on whether you made an initial enquiry only, requested a quotation or instructed professional services. When information is no longer required, it is deleted, anonymised or securely disposed of.

Security

We use reasonable organisational and technical measures intended to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure. No internet transmission or storage method can be guaranteed completely secure, so please take care when sending sensitive documents electronically.

Your data-protection rights

Depending on the circumstances and the lawful basis used, you may have rights to:

• ask for access to your personal information;
• ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information;
• ask for deletion or restriction of processing;
• object to certain processing;
• receive certain information in a portable format; and
• withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.

These rights are not absolute and exemptions may apply. To make a request, email info@pwssouthend.co.uk. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

Complaints

Please contact us first if you have a concern so we can try to resolve it. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office. Guidance and contact details are available at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/.

External links and policy updates

This website may link to other websites. Their privacy practices are outside our control, so please read their policies before providing information. We may update this notice when our services, technology or legal obligations change. The latest version will remain available on this page.