Office: Privacy Policy
A clear account of what this site collects, why it is used and the choices you have.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
Who I am
I'm Sami Swain, a freelance web developer based in Preston, Lancashire, trading as a sole trader. For anything in this policy you can reach me at info@samiswain.com or on 01772 485 348. I'm the data controller for personal data collected through samiswain.com.
What I collect and why
Details you give me
When you call, email, WhatsApp me or fill in the contact form, I receive whatever you send, typically your name, phone number, email address and what you need. I use it to reply to you, prepare quotes and deliver the work you've asked for.
If you choose an email submission, the details are sent securely to this site's server and delivered to my business inbox; the site also tries to email you a copy. Those messages may remain in the relevant mailboxes and operational mail logs. If you choose WhatsApp, the site prepares the message in your browser. Opening WhatsApp passes the information you have already entered to WhatsApp/Meta, and it is not delivered to me until you press send there.
Analytics
If you accept analytics, I use Google Analytics 4 to understand which pages are useful, roughly where visits come from and what type of device is used. Google receives pseudonymous browser, device and usage information and sets analytics cookies. I do not send the names, email addresses, phone numbers or message text entered in my forms to Google Analytics. The Google Analytics script is not downloaded before you accept analytics.
Server logs
Like almost every website, my server keeps standard access logs (IP address, browser type, pages requested) for security and to keep the site running properly. The operational period can change as security and hosting needs change; you can ask me for the current period.
Lawful basis
I rely on legitimate interest to respond to enquiries and keep the site secure, contract when processing is needed to deliver work you've commissioned, and consent for analytics cookies. I never sell your data and I don't add you to marketing lists without asking.
Who I share data with
I only share data with services needed to run the business: my hosting and email infrastructure managed in the UK; Google Analytics if you consent; Google's font hosting service when the site loads its typeface; and WhatsApp/Meta if you choose that contact route. The contact page also offers an external Google Maps link, but no Google map is embedded or loaded before you choose to open it. If you become a client, invoicing details may be shared with my accountant where required.
Some providers may process information outside the UK. Where that happens, their published transfer safeguards and privacy terms apply. You can ask me which current providers are involved in your data.
Client project data
If I build or look after a website for you, I may handle data belonging to your business (content, customer records, credentials). I treat it as confidential, use it only to do the job, and act as a data processor on your instructions where applicable.
How long I keep things
Enquiries are kept only for as long as I reasonably need them to reply, prepare a quote, manage possible work or deal with a related dispute. Messages and backups may follow the current retention schedules of my email and hosting systems. Google Analytics retention follows the setting active in the GA4 property. You can ask me for the current periods. If you become a client, accounting and invoicing records are kept for the period required by tax and other applicable law.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you can ask me to access, correct, delete or restrict the personal data I hold about you, object to processing, or ask for a copy in a portable format. Just email info@samiswain.com. If you're unhappy with how I've handled your data you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.
Cookies
On your first visit, analytics is off. If you accept it, Google Analytics may set cookies with names beginning _ga to measure visits. Advertising storage, advertising personalisation and Google signals remain disabled. If you reject analytics, the Google Analytics script is not downloaded and those analytics cookies are not set by this site.
Your choice is stored locally in your browser so I can respect it on later visits. You can reopen Cookie settings at any time and withdraw consent; the site then disables analytics and removes the Google Analytics cookies it can access. The site works without analytics.
Changes
If this policy changes I'll update this page and the date at the top. Questions? Ring me. You'll get a real person, not a department.