Legal
Privacy and cookie policy
Last updated 7 October 2026
Who we are
The data controller is James Nelson trading as The Business Valuers, based in Bristol, United Kingdom. You can contact us about anything in this policy at valuations@thebusinessvaluers.com.
What we collect and why
Enquiry and quote forms
Your name, email address, mobile number where you give it, business name, the purpose of the valuation, sector, turnover band, your message, how you heard about us, and the pages that brought you to the site. We use this to reply to your enquiry, prepare a fee quote, send confirmation messages and follow up on that enquiry. Lawful basis: steps taken at your request before entering into a contract, and our legitimate interest in responding to business enquiries.
Chat assistant
Messages you type into the chat assistant are sent to an AI service to generate a reply. We do not use them to identify you unless you choose to leave your details, in which case they are handled as an enquiry above. Lawful basis: legitimate interest in answering visitor questions.
Email correspondence
We keep emails you send us and our replies so we can manage your matter and keep a record of the advice given. Lawful basis: performance of a contract, or legitimate interest where no contract follows.
Documents supplied for a valuation
Accounts, management figures and other documents you upload or send to us are used only to prepare your valuation report. Every document and item of correspondence we rely on is listed in the report appendix. Lawful basis: performance of a contract, and our legal obligation to keep business records.
Website visitor identification (Leadfeeder)
If you accept optional cookies, we use Leadfeeder, which sets a cookie (_lfa) and identifies the organisation behind a visit from its network address. We use it to understand which businesses visit the site. Lawful basis: your consent, which you can withdraw at any time. Leadfeeder does not load until you accept.
Hosting and analytics
Our hosting provider processes technical data such as network address, browser type and pages requested in order to serve and secure the site. We use privacy-friendly analytics that count visits, pages and referring sites without advertising cookies. Lawful basis: legitimate interest in running a secure, working website.
Who we share data with
We use trusted service providers to host the site and database, send email and text messages, take payments, run the chat assistant and, with consent, Leadfeeder. They process data only on our instructions. We do not sell personal data and we do not share your report with anyone without your consent. Some providers may process data outside the UK, in which case appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy regulations or standard contractual clauses apply.
How long we keep it
- Enquiries that do not become instructions: up to 2 years from the last contact.
- Client files, reports and supporting documents: 6 years after the engagement ends, for legal and insurance purposes.
- Chat messages not linked to an enquiry: no longer than needed to answer them.
- Leadfeeder data: in line with your cookie choice and Leadfeeder's retention settings.
Your rights
You have the right to access your personal data, to have it corrected or erased, to restrict or object to its use, to data portability, and to withdraw consent at any time. Email valuations@thebusinessvaluers.com and we will respond within one month.
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk. We would appreciate the chance to put things right first.
Cookies
We use only what is needed for the site to work, plus Leadfeeder if you accept it. We store your cookie choice in your browser so we do not ask again. You can change your choice at any time.