Cookie Policy
Last updated: June 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies and similar technologies are, how Ringstones Machine Tool Services (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses them on this website, the choices you have, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside any privacy notice we publish. By continuing to use this website, and where required by giving your consent through our cookie banner, you agree to the use of cookies as described below.
This policy applies to www.ringstones-mts.co.uk and is provided in line with UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your computer, tablet or phone when you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. Cookies do many different jobs, such as remembering your preferences, keeping you signed in, and helping us understand how the site is used.
We also use, or may in future use, similar technologies that work in comparable ways, including:
- Local storage — data stored by your browser on your device, for example to remember a setting or choice.
- Pixels and tags — tiny pieces of code on a page or in an email that can record activity such as whether a page was opened.
- Software development kits (SDKs) and other scripts that perform similar functions.
In this policy, “cookies” refers to all of these technologies unless we say otherwise.
2. Why we use cookies
We use cookies to:
- make sure the website works correctly and securely;
- remember choices you make, such as your cookie preferences;
- understand how visitors find and use the site so we can improve it; and
- measure the effectiveness of our content and the pages that lead to enquiries.
We do not use cookies to sell your data, and we do not currently use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.
3. The categories of cookies
Cookies are generally grouped into the following categories. We have explained each one and noted whether we currently use it.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set only in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block these cookies, but some parts of the site may then not work. Because they are strictly necessary, they do not require consent. We use cookies in this category (see the table below).
Performance and analytics cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All the information these cookies collect is aggregated. We only set these cookies if you accept them. We use cookies in this category, with your consent.
Functionality cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering choices you make. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly. We do not currently use cookies in this category beyond remembering your cookie choice.
Targeting and advertising cookies
These cookies may be set through a site by advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly identifiable information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and device. We do not currently use cookies in this category.
4. First-party and third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set by us directly. Third-party cookies are set by another organisation whose service we use on the site, such as an analytics provider. Where we use third-party cookies, those organisations are responsible for the data they collect under their own policies, which we link to below.
5. Session and persistent cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them, and are used to remember you across visits.
6. Cookies and storage used on this site
The specific items currently used on this website are:
ringstones_cookie_consent(strictly necessary, first-party, local storage) — records whether you accepted or rejected analytics so the banner does not reappear on every page. Not used for tracking and not shared with anyone. Stored until you clear it._ga(analytics, third-party — Google) — distinguishes one visitor from another. Set only if you accept. Persistent, expires after up to 2 years._ga_<container-id>(analytics, third-party — Google) — used by Google Analytics 4 to maintain session state. Set only if you accept. Persistent, expires after up to 2 years.
We use Google Analytics with IP anonymisation enabled. If we add further services in future (for example an embedded map, video, or booking tool) that set their own cookies, we will update this policy and, where those cookies are non-essential, request your consent first. Cookie names and durations are set by the relevant provider and may change over time.
7. Third-party services we use
Google Analytics — provided by Google. For information on how Google uses data and the cookies it sets, see Google’s cookie information and Google’s Privacy Policy. You can also install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
8. Your consent
When you first visit, a banner asks whether you accept analytics cookies. We do not set any non-essential cookies until you choose “Accept”. If you choose “Reject”, only the strictly necessary items above are used and the site works exactly as normal. Your choice is remembered so the banner does not appear on every page.
9. How to change or withdraw your choice
You can reopen the cookie banner and change your decision at any time:
You can also control cookies through your browser. Most browsers let you refuse or delete cookies; doing so will not stop you using this site, though some features on other websites may be affected. For guidance see aboutcookies.org or your browser’s help pages:
10. Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) setting. There is no agreed industry standard for how sites should respond to DNT signals, so this site does not currently respond to them. Our consent banner remains the way to control non-essential cookies.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Please revisit this page periodically to stay informed.
12. Contact and further information
If you have any questions about how we use cookies or your personal data, contact us on 07837 569193 or by email at Info@ringstones-mts.co.uk, or write to us at New Mills, High Peak, SK22 4NX.
You also have the right to complain to the UK’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which provides further guidance on cookies and online privacy at ico.org.uk.