Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

Hartleys Professional Tree Surgeons Ltd ("we", "us", "our") provides arboricultural services across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. This policy explains how we collect, use and protect personal data you provide when you contact us, request a quote, or use our services.

2. The personal data we collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide our services and communicate with you. This may include:

• Contact details: name, address, phone number, email
• Property details: site address, access information, photographs of trees/grounds
• Payment information: card or payment reference (we do not store full card numbers)
• Job records: quotes, invoices, service notes, risk assessments
• Marketing preferences and consent choices

3. How we use your data

We use personal data for these purposes:

• To provide quotes, carry out work, and issue invoices
• To contact you about bookings, safety information, or follow-up queries
• To process payments via our chosen payment provider
• To comply with legal obligations (e.g., health & safety, tax)
• To respond to complaints or requests about our services

4. Lawful basis for processing

We process your personal data on the following lawful bases as applicable:

• Contract performance — to fulfil a contract for services you request
• Legitimate interests — to manage and improve our business operations and service delivery
• Consent — where you opt in to marketing communications
• Legal obligations — where required by law (e.g., taxation, accident reporting)

5. Sharing and disclosure

We will not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Payment processors and banks to complete transactions
• Subcontractors engaged to perform specific services (for example, waste removal) — only data necessary to perform the work is shared
• Professional advisers, auditors or insurers where required
• Law enforcement or statutory authorities where required by law

6. Data retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose collected and to meet legal and accounting obligations. Typically:

• Job records and invoices: up to 7 years for HMRC purposes
• Marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent

7. Your rights

You have rights under data protection law, including:

• The right to access your data
• The right to have inaccurate data corrected
• The right to request erasure in limited circumstances
• The right to restrict or object to processing
• The right to data portability where applicable

To exercise these rights contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

8. Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational steps to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Where we use third-party services (for example payment providers), we select reputable providers who maintain appropriate security standards.

9. Photography and publicity

We may take photographs of completed work for our records and marketing. We will ask for consent before publishing photographs that clearly identify individuals or private property. You may withdraw consent at any time.

10. Cookies and tracking

Our cookie usage is explained in our Cookie Policy. We use only minimal cookies needed for site functionality and (with consent) anonymised analytics.

11. Third-country transfers

Where data is transferred outside the UK or EEA (for example services hosted in the US), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses or the provider's certification.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy occasionally. We will publish changes on this page with the date above.

13. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact us:

• Contact: 07903323304
• Postal: Hartleys Professional Tree Surgeons Ltd, Altrincham, Cheshire