Cookie policy
What cookies and similar technologies this website uses, and how you can control them. Last updated October 2026.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. Some are needed for the site to work. Others help the owner understand how the site is used. Similar technologies, such as your browser’s local storage, work in the same way and are covered by this policy.
Cookies this site uses
Strictly necessary
These keep the site secure and working, for example protecting the enquiry form against spam and remembering your cookie choice. They don’t identify you and don’t need consent. If you visit the website’s admin area, WordPress sets login cookies.
Analytics (only with your consent)
If you accept analytics cookies, Google Analytics sets cookies such as _ga to count visits and see which pages are useful. The information is aggregated and doesn’t tell me who you are. If you refuse, these cookies are not set.
Embedded videos and maps (only when you click)
Videos on this site are shown as a still image until you click play. Only then does the video load from YouTube in privacy-enhanced mode, and YouTube may set its own cookies. Maps work the same way: Google Maps loads only when you click to show the map.
Session storage
If you arrive from an advert, the site briefly remembers the advert’s reference in your browser’s session storage, so an enquiry can be credited to it. It is cleared when you close the tab.
Cookies in detail
| Cookie | Set by | What it does | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie choice | This website | Remembers whether you accepted or refused analytics cookies, so you aren’t asked on every page. | Up to 12 months |
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes visitors so visits can be counted. Set only with your consent. | 2 years |
_ga_* | Google Analytics | Keeps track of the current visit. Set only with your consent. | 2 years |
| YouTube storage | YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) | Plays the video and remembers player settings. Set only after you press play. | Set by YouTube |
| WordPress login cookies | WordPress | Cookies such as wordpress_logged_in_* check that cookies work and keep site administrators logged in. Set only in the admin area. | The session, or up to 14 days |
Third-party services set and control their own cookies. Their privacy policies explain how they use them.
Managing cookies
Most browsers let you see which cookies a site has set, delete them, and block cookies from some or all sites. The settings are usually under Privacy or Security in your browser’s menu. Blocking third-party cookies stops YouTube and Google Analytics cookies while leaving the site working.
You can change your cookie choice at any time using the cookie settings link on the site. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may stop parts of the site, such as the enquiry form, from working.
More information
For how I use personal information more generally, see the privacy policy. Questions: stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk.
The chat window
The chat window in the corner of the page is provided by LeadConnector. It loads after the rest of the page, and it may store information in your browser so that a conversation stays open as you move between pages. Anything you type into the chat reaches me in the same way as an email.
Changes to this policy
If the cookies on this site change, for example when a new feature is added, I will update this page and the date at the top.