Privacy Policy

Introduction

StartupCoaches Ltd ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our food service consulting services.

This policy applies to all personal data we collect through our website at startupcoaches.pro, our services, and any related communications. By using our services, you consent to the data collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Data Controller

StartupCoaches Ltd is the data controller responsible for your personal data. Our company details are:

Data We Collect

We collect different types of personal data depending on how you interact with our services. The data we collect includes information you provide directly to us and information we collect automatically when you use our website or services.

Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name, and business address when you contact us or request our services
• Business Information: Details about your food service establishment, business type, and specific consulting needs
• Communication Data: Messages, enquiries, and correspondence you send to us through our contact forms, email, or phone
• Service Data: Information related to the consulting services we provide, including project details and business requirements

Information We Collect Automatically

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on our website, click patterns, and referral sources
• Cookie Data: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies as described in our Cookie Policy

How We Use Your Information

We use of your data is based on legitimate business interests, contractual necessity, and your consent where required. We use your information for the following purposes to provide and improve our food service consulting services.

Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to perform our consulting services or respond to your service requests
• Legitimate Interests: For business operations, website improvement, and client relationship management
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent for specific processing activities, such as marketing communications
• Legal Obligation: Where processing is required to comply with legal or regulatory requirements

Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and delivering our services, under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
• Business Protection: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients or others
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, subject to confidentiality requirements

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with our legal obligations. Our data retention periods are as follows:

• Client Data: Maintained for the duration of our business relationship and up to 7 years after project completion for business and legal requirements
• Contact Enquiries: Retained for 3 years from the last contact or until you request deletion
• Website Analytics: Anonymised data retained for up to 26 months for website improvement purposes
• Marketing Communications: Retained until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent

After the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymise your personal data in accordance with our data protection procedures.

Your Rights

Under GDPR and Irish data protection law, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates to our systems and procedures
• Access controls and authentication measures to limit data access to authorised personnel
• Staff training on data protection and security best practices
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures

While we strive to protect your personal data, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining robust protection measures.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse website usage. For detailed information about our use of cookies, including the types of cookies we use and how to manage your cookie preferences, please see our Cookie Policy.

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

International Data Transfers

Your personal data is primarily processed within the European Economic Area (EEA). If we transfer your data outside the EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
• Standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission
• Binding corporate rules or certification schemes

We will inform you of any international transfers and the safeguards in place when collecting your personal data.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us using the following information:

We will respond to your enquiry within 30 days of receipt. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Irish Data Protection Commission at www.dataprotection.ie.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "last updated" date
• Sending you an email notification if you are an existing client
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website for a reasonable period

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal data. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.