Legal
Cookie Policy
Last updated: 1 October 2026
The short version
We use a few cookies that the site needs to work. We only use analytics cookies, which help us see which pages are useful, if you say yes in the cookie banner. Saying no doesn't stop any part of the site working. You can change your choice at any time using Cookie settings in the footer.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file a website stores on your device. Similar technologies, such as scripts that read information from your browser, are covered by this policy too. Some cookies are deleted when you close your browser; others stay until they expire or you clear them.
Strictly necessary (always on)
These are needed for the site to work or to keep it secure, so the law doesn't require your consent. You can block them in your browser, but parts of the site may stop working.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| cmplz_* | Smart Start IT (Complianz) | Remembers your cookie choices so we don't ask on every page | 12 months |
| __cf_bm, cf_clearance | Cloudflare | Tells real visitors apart from bots and protects the site from attacks (including the Turnstile check) | 30 minutes to 12 months |
| wordpress_*, wp-settings-* | Smart Start IT (WordPress) | Only set if you log in to the site admin. Most visitors never get these. | Session to 12 months |
Statistics (only with your consent)
These help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it. We don't use them for advertising and we never sell the data. They are not set unless you choose to allow statistics cookies.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another to count visits | 2 years |
| _ga_[ID] | Google Analytics | Keeps track of your current visit | 2 years |
| _clck | Microsoft Clarity | Recognises a returning visitor across visits | 1 year |
| _clsk | Microsoft Clarity | Connects the pages of one visit into a single session | 1 day |
| MUID, CLID, ANONCHK | Microsoft (clarity.ms) | Identifies the browser to Microsoft Clarity | 10 minutes to 1 year |
About Microsoft Clarity: Clarity records how visitors move around a page (clicks, scrolling and mouse movement) and builds heatmaps and anonymised session replays. It masks the text you type and other sensitive content. Microsoft explains how it handles this data in the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Google explains how it uses Analytics data at policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.
Third-party content
Some pages show content from other services. These services can set their own cookies and receive your IP address when they load.
- Google Maps: the map showing our Bristol office. It only loads after you accept cookies, or when you click to show it.
- EasyDMARC: powers the free email security check. The domain you enter is sent to EasyDMARC.
- Blockmark Registry: displays our Cyber Essentials certificate badge.
- Google Fonts: our typefaces. Google doesn't set cookies for this but does receive your IP address.
- Cloudflare Web Analytics: cookie-free page speed and visit counts. It doesn't track you across sites.
If you click our WhatsApp link, you leave our site and WhatsApp's own privacy terms apply.
Changing your mind
- Click Cookie settings in the footer of any page to change or withdraw your consent. Withdrawing is as easy as giving it.
- Or clear cookies for smartstartit.co.uk in your browser. You'll see the banner again on your next visit.
Your browser's help pages explain how to block or delete cookies on every website: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge.
We also respect the Global Privacy Control signal: if your browser sends it, we treat it as a no to statistics cookies.
More information
For how we handle personal information more generally, including your rights, see our Privacy Policy. Questions about cookies? Email privacy@smartstartit.co.uk.
Smart Start IT Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 15622995. Registered office: 46 Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QA, United Kingdom.
We review this policy at least once a year and whenever we add or remove a cookie.