Cookies Policy
Last updated: 05 October 2026.
Introduction
This Cookies Policy explains how spotlenko uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. As a United Kingdom based provider of professional studio production resources covering equipment setup, camera operation, lighting, sound and live broadcast workflows, we operate in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. The policy describes the categories of cookies deployed, the lawful bases for their use and the choices available to visitors.
What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store information such as preferences, session identifiers or usage statistics. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage objects that perform comparable functions. These tools allow a site to recognise returning visitors, remember choices and measure performance. In the United Kingdom, rules governing their deployment are set out in PECR, which requires clear information and, in most cases, prior consent before non-essential cookies are placed.
Why the Site Uses Cookies
We deploy cookies to ensure the website functions correctly, to remember user preferences where applicable, to understand how visitors interact with our course materials and resources, and to support essential security measures. Without these technologies certain core features such as navigation, form submission and content personalisation would not operate reliably. Analytics cookies help us improve the quality of our professional training content on studio workflows.
Categories of Cookies Used
We classify cookies into five main categories. Strictly necessary cookies enable basic site functions such as security and session management. Functional cookies remember choices like language or display settings. Analytics or performance cookies collect aggregated usage data to help us refine content. Advertising or targeting cookies may be used by third parties to deliver relevant promotions. Social media cookies facilitate sharing or embedding of content from external platforms. Each category serves distinct purposes and is subject to different consent requirements under UK law.
First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set directly by spotlenko and relate to our own domain. They typically handle essential functions and preference storage. Third-party cookies originate from external domains such as analytics providers or content delivery networks. These may track activity across multiple sites and are often used for performance measurement or advertising. Visitors can manage both types through browser settings, although blocking third-party cookies may affect the availability of embedded resources on our pages.
Session Versus Persistent Cookies and Retention Periods
Session cookies exist only while the browser is open and are deleted when the session ends. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period or until manually removed. Our strictly necessary session cookies expire at the end of each visit. Analytics persistent cookies typically last between thirteen months and twenty-four months depending on the provider. Advertising cookies may persist for up to thirteen months. Retention periods are kept to the minimum necessary to fulfil the stated purpose and are reviewed regularly.
Data Handled and Purpose of Each Category
Strictly necessary cookies process technical data such as IP address, browser type and session tokens to maintain security and enable navigation. Functional cookies store preference settings to improve usability. Analytics cookies record page views, time on site and referral sources in aggregated form to support content improvement. Advertising cookies may capture browsing behaviour to tailor promotions. Social media cookies transmit data to external networks when users interact with share buttons. All processing is limited to what is required for the described purposes and complies with UK GDPR data minimisation principles.
Consent or Exemption Basis for Each Category
Under PECR, strictly necessary cookies are exempt from consent requirements because they are essential for the service requested by the user. All other categories require prior consent. We obtain consent through a site-wide cookie banner that allows granular acceptance or rejection of functional, analytics, advertising and social media cookies. Consent is recorded and can be withdrawn at any time. Where legitimate interests are relied upon for certain analytics processing, we conduct balancing tests and provide clear opt-out mechanisms in accordance with UK GDPR.
Cookie and Provider Table
The following table summarises the main cookies currently in use. Strictly necessary: session identifier set by spotlenko, duration session only, purpose site functionality. Analytics: _ga set by Google Analytics, duration thirteen months, purpose usage statistics. Functional: preference cookie set by spotlenko, duration twelve months, purpose remember display settings. Advertising: third-party targeting cookie from approved networks, duration up to thirteen months, purpose relevant promotions. Full details of active cookies are available through the consent manager interface.
How the Consent Manager Works and Changing Choices
Our consent manager presents clear options when you first visit and on subsequent visits if preferences have not been saved. You may accept all, reject non-essential cookies or select specific categories. Choices are stored for twelve months unless you clear browser data. To change preferences later, revisit the cookie settings link displayed in the footer or banner area. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
Browser-Level Controls and Consequences of Disabling Cookies
Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings menus. Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent core functions such as form submission and secure login from working. Blocking analytics cookies limits our ability to improve content but does not stop the site from operating. Persistent disabling of functional cookies may require repeated manual selection of preferences on each visit. Instructions for common browsers are available on their respective support pages.
International Transfers and Privacy Policy Reference
Some third-party providers may transfer data outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs we rely on appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses. For further information on how personal data is processed beyond cookies, please refer to our separate Privacy Policy page which is accessible from the site footer.
Policy Changes, Contact Route and Last Updated Date
We review this policy periodically and update it when necessary to reflect changes in technology, law or business practices. The current version is dated 05 October 2026. If you have questions about our use of cookies please contact us using the details on the Contacts page or by writing to Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG, United Kingdom or emailing [email protected]. Telephone enquiries can be made on 01494 671234. We aim to respond to all legitimate requests within one month.