Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 2025
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Explore Gloucestershire, operated by CDS Publications Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”), collects, uses, and protects personal information obtained through www.exploregloucestershire.co.uk. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
By using this website, submitting a form, entering a competition, or subscribing to our newsletters, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
2. Who we are
Explore Gloucestershire is operated by CDS Publications Ltd, registered in England and Wales.
Registered Office: 3–4 Bath Mews, Bath Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7HL
Email: info@exploregloucestershire.co.uk
3. Information we collect
We may collect and process the following information about you:
- Personal details such as your name, business name, email address, and contact number when you submit forms or enquiries.
- Details you provide when listing your business, submitting events or offers, or entering a competition.
- Demographic information such as age range or location (where supplied voluntarily for marketing analysis).
- Technical information collected automatically through cookies and analytics tools (see section 6 below).
4. How we use your information
We use personal information to:
- Process and manage business listings, events, and promotional content submitted through the website.
- Send you information or updates that you request, including newsletters and competition results (only if you have opted in).
- Administer competitions, prize draws, and offers.
- Improve the website’s performance, usability, and relevance.
- Maintain our records and meet legal, accounting, or regulatory requirements.
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. In limited cases (e.g. prize fulfilment), we may share details with a competition prize provider, but only where you have given explicit consent.
5. Email newsletters and competitions
Explore Gloucestershire sends two types of emails:
- Public eNewsletter: A monthly newsletter promoting what’s on, competitions, and special offers.
- Business Updates: Occasional communications for Explore Gloucestershire customers about marketing opportunities and seasonal features.
Subscription is always optional and requires an active opt-in. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of each email or by contacting us directly. We currently use Mailchimp to manage our email lists and campaigns, and data is processed in accordance with Mailchimp’s Privacy Policy.
For competition entries, an opt-in checkbox is provided to join the mailing list. Entrants’ personal details are used only for administering the competition and contacting winners. Explore Gloucestershire does not share entrants’ telephone numbers or sensitive data with prize providers.
6. Cookies and analytics
This website uses cookies to enhance functionality and collect anonymous analytics data through Google Analytics. Cookies are small text files placed on your device that help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve the user experience.
The cookies used include: _ga, _gid, and _gat_UA-*. These do not store personally identifiable information. IP addresses are anonymised before processing.
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by visiting: http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
7. External links, adverts and sponsored content
Explore Gloucestershire may contain links to external websites, advertisers, and social media platforms. These are provided for convenience and information only. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of any external website.
Clicking on an external or sponsored link may track your referral through a third-party analytics or advertising system. You click on such links at your own discretion and risk.
8. Social media
Our website and social channels (including Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and LinkedIn) operate under the privacy policies and terms of those individual platforms. Please review the policies of each platform before interacting with us there.
We never ask for personal or sensitive information via social media. If you wish to share private details, please contact us via email instead.
9. Data security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Access to data is restricted to the Directors of CDS Publications Ltd and authorised personnel only. All data is held on secure, encrypted servers.
10. Data retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting or reporting obligations.
Subscriber data is retained while you remain subscribed to our emails. You may unsubscribe at any time. Old data is permanently deleted from our systems every 12 months.
11. Your rights
You have the following rights under UK data protection law:
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Request deletion or restriction of your personal data.
- Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent (e.g. newsletter subscriptions).
- Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been mishandled, although we ask that you contact us first to resolve any concern.
To exercise your rights or to make an enquiry, please email: info@exploregloucestershire.co.uk. We will respond to valid requests within one month and will not charge a fee unless requests are clearly unfounded or excessive.
12. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on this page, and the “Last updated” date will be revised accordingly. Continued use of the website after any changes are posted will constitute acceptance of those updates.
13. Further information
Explore Gloucestershire is operated by CDS Publications Ltd.
Registered Office: 3–4 Bath Mews, Bath Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7HL
