Our Cookie Policy
About This Service: As a professional consultancy serving governments and leading steelmakers, our data protection practices reflect the same professional rigour we apply to strategic advisory work and expert witness services. For information about our company and data protection practices, view our About page, Privacy Policy, or contact our team with any data protection queries.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit them. These files allow the website to recognise your device on return visits and remember certain information about your preferences and activities. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage files.
Cookies serve various essential functions including remembering your login details, analysing website performance, personalising content, and providing targeted advertising. Some cookies contain personal information, while others collect anonymous data about how users interact with websites.
Our Legal Basis for Using Cookies
We process cookie data under the following legal bases in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018:
Legitimate Interest: For essential website functionality, analytics, and service improvement
Contract Performance: For member account management and subscription services
Types of Cookies We Use
Cookie Inventory
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Mapping-kjicghkc | NamesCo | Load balancing for fast page loading | Session | Essential |
| PayPal cookies | PayPal | Secure payment processing | Session | Essential |
| is_unique | StatCounter | Visitor analysis | 3 years | Analytics |
| News bookmarks | SteelOnTheNet | Save articles | Until deleted | Functional |
Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:
- NamesCo Load Balancing Cookie (X-Mapping-kjicghkc): Ensures fast page loading by balancing server traffic. Session cookie that expires when you close your browser.
- PayPal Payment Cookies: Essential for secure online transactions and shopping basket functionality. These session cookies are exempt from consent requirements under UK data protection law.
Analytics Cookies (Legitimate Interest)
These help us understand how visitors use our website:
- StatCounter Analytics (is_unique): Distinguishes between new and returning visitors to estimate unique site visits. Retention: 3 years. No personal information stored.
Functional Cookies
These enhance your user experience:
- News Bookmarking Service: Stores your saved news articles and bookmark preferences. Includes IP addresses for service improvement. Retention: Until you delete bookmarks or request removal.
Third-Party Cookie Providers
Some cookies are set by third-party services operating on our website:
- StatCounter: Website analytics service with servers in Ireland (EEA).
- PayPal: Payment processing with appropriate security measures.
Your Cookie Choices and Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have several rights regarding cookies and your personal data:
To exercise these rights, please contact us using our dedicated contact form.
Managing Cookies in Your Browser
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality:
Modern Browser Instructions:
- Google Chrome: Click Menu (?) ? Settings ? Privacy and security ? Cookies and other site data ? Choose your preferred settings
- Mozilla Firefox: Click Menu (=) ? Settings ? Privacy & Security ? Cookies and Site Data ? Manage your cookie settings
- Microsoft Edge: Click Menu (...) ? Settings ? Cookies and site permissions ? Cookies and site data
- Safari: Safari menu ? Preferences ? Privacy ? Cookie settings
- Mobile Devices: Check your device's help section or browser settings for cookie management options
Data Retention and Deletion
We retain cookie data for the following periods:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Analytics Cookies: 3 years (StatCounter)
- Advertising Cookies: Up to 13 months
- Functional Cookies: Until manually deleted or service discontinued
Regulatory Compliance
Our cookie practices comply with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and PECR regulations. As an ICO-registered data controller since 2002 (Registration Z6374301) and a professional consultancy serving governments, financial institutions, and top steelmakers - with 25+ years of steel industry expertise - we maintain professional data protection standards appropriate for our government and corporate advisory work.
Updates to This Policy
We review and update this Cookie Policy annually to ensure compliance with current data protection regulations and industry best practices. Any significant changes will be communicated through our website.
Contact Information
For questions about this Cookie Policy, data protection matters, or to exercise your rights, please contact our team. You can also email us directly at info@steelonthenet.com.
For comprehensive information about how we handle your personal data, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Data Protection Compliance: We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and PECR regulations. Our data protection practices reflect professional standards and regulatory compliance.
Policy Last Updated: January 2026
Next Review Date: January 2027