Last updated: 06/07/2026

1. Who we are

This Website is managed by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside (“Groundwork CLM”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

We manage a number of place-based and destination websites that provide information about local places, businesses, events, attractions, activities, news and opportunities. These websites may include visitor-focused, community-focused and place-promotion services. These services are provided in connection with our management of the area’s Business Improvement District (BID).

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store and share personal information when you:

  • visit or use this Website;
  • contact us;
  • subscribe to newsletters or other communications;
  • enter a competition or promotion;
  • register for or enquire about an event;
  • complete a survey, form or consultation;
  • submit information, photographs, stories, event details or other content;
  • interact with campaigns or promotional activity; or
  • otherwise engage with us in connection with the Website and the place or destination it promotes.

For the purposes of applicable UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR”), the Data Protection Act 2018 and other applicable data protection legislation, the data controller is:

Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside
74–80 Hallgate
Wigan
WN1 1HP

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01942 821 444
ICO registration number: Z324664X

Where another organisation determines jointly with us how and why personal information is used, that organisation may also be a controller or joint controller. This may arise, for example, where we deliver a campaign, event, competition, consultation or place-promotion activity in partnership with another organisation.

Where relevant, we will provide further information about the respective responsibilities of the organisations involved.

2. What personal information we collect

The personal information we collect depends on how you interact with us and the Website. It may include:

  • your name and title;
  • your email address;
  • your telephone or mobile number;
  • your postal address;
  • your age or date of birth where genuinely required, for example for competition eligibility or age-restricted activities;
  • your communication and marketing preferences;
  • records of correspondence and communications with us;
  • information you provide through contact forms, surveys, competitions, consultations or feedback;
  • newsletter subscription information;
  • event registration, booking or attendance information;
  • information about your interests, such as local events, food and drink, shopping, leisure, culture, tourism or other place-related topics;
  • competition and prize draw entries;
  • information contained in enquiries or requests you submit to us;
  • photographs, video footage, testimonials, stories or other content you provide to us;
  • social media usernames or profile information where you interact with us through social media;
  • website usage and technical information, such as IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring website, pages visited and interaction data;
  • cookie and similar technology data, where collected;
  • approximate location information derived from technical information such as IP address, where applicable;
  • information necessary to manage relationships with local businesses, attractions, venues, event organisers, partners, suppliers and content contributors; and
  • any other personal information you choose to provide to us.

We aim to collect only the personal information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

We do not routinely seek to collect special category personal data, such as information about health, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic or biometric data, or information about sex life or sexual orientation.

If we need to process special category personal data, we will only do so where we have both a lawful basis and an additional condition permitted by law.

3. How we collect personal information

We may collect personal information directly from you when you:

  • browse or use the Website;
  • contact us by email, telephone, post, social media or through an online form;
  • subscribe to a newsletter, mailing list or e-bulletin;
  • enter a competition, prize draw or promotion;
  • register for or attend an event or activity;
  • submit an event for inclusion on the Website;
  • submit business, attraction, venue or destination information;
  • complete a survey, consultation, questionnaire or feedback form;
  • submit photographs, videos, stories, testimonials or other content;
  • participate in a campaign or promotional activity;
  • make an enquiry or complaint; or
  • otherwise communicate or engage with us.

We may also receive personal information from other sources where lawful and appropriate, including:

  • local authorities and other public bodies;
  • Business Improvement Districts and place-management organisations;
  • tourism, destination and visitor-economy partners;
  • local businesses, attractions and venues;
  • event organisers;
  • partner organisations;
  • publicly available sources;
  • social media platforms;
  • event, survey and communications platforms;
  • suppliers and service providers; and
  • other third parties where there is a lawful basis for the disclosure.

Where we obtain personal information from another source, we will provide privacy information where required by law.

4. Why we use personal information and our lawful bases

We only use personal information where we have a lawful basis for doing so. The lawful basis depends on the purpose for which the information is used.

Website operation and improvement

We may use personal information to:

  • operate, maintain and secure the Website;
  • provide Website features and functionality;
  • diagnose technical problems;
  • prevent misuse, fraud and security threats;
  • understand how the Website is used;
  • improve Website content, navigation and performance; and
  • develop our digital services.

Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in operating, protecting and improving the Website and our digital services, and consent where required for particular cookies or similar technologies.

Newsletters, email updates and marketing communications

We may use personal information to send information about:

  • local events and activities;
  • things to see and do;
  • visitor information;
  • food, drink and hospitality;
  • shopping and local businesses;
  • attractions and experiences;
  • competitions and promotions;
  • local news and destination updates;
  • campaigns and seasonal activity;
  • offers and opportunities; and
  • other content relevant to the Website and the place or destination it promotes.

Lawful basis: consent where required, or another lawful basis where permitted by applicable law.

Where electronic direct marketing rules apply, we will comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (“PECR”) and other applicable legislation.

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in the communication or by contacting us.

Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before consent was withdrawn.

Enquiries and requests

We may use personal information to:

  • respond to enquiries;
  • provide requested information;
  • respond to questions about local places, events or activities;
  • manage requests and feedback; and
  • maintain appropriate records of correspondence.

Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in responding to enquiries and managing communications, taking steps at your request before entering into a contract, performance of a contract, or compliance with a legal obligation, depending on the circumstances.

Events and activities

We may use personal information to:

  • manage registrations;
  • communicate with attendees;
  • administer attendance;
  • provide event information and updates;
  • manage accessibility or other reasonable requirements where appropriate;
  • gather feedback; and
  • manage follow-up communications.

Lawful basis: depending on the circumstances, performance of a contract, legitimate interests or consent.

Where health or other special category information is genuinely required, we will identify an appropriate lawful basis and additional legal condition before processing it.

Competitions, prize draws and promotions

We may use personal information to:

  • administer competitions, prize draws and promotions;
  • verify eligibility;
  • contact entrants;
  • select and notify winners;
  • arrange delivery or collection of prizes;
  • prevent fraud or misuse; and
  • comply with legal or regulatory requirements.

Lawful basis: depending on the circumstances, performance of a contract, our legitimate interests in administering the competition or promotion fairly and effectively, or consent where appropriate.

Entry into a competition or prize draw will not automatically subscribe you to marketing communications unless this is clearly explained and you have made a valid choice to receive them.

Where a competition or promotion is delivered with a partner, sponsor or prize provider, we will explain any relevant sharing of personal information.

Surveys, consultations and feedback

We may use personal information to:

  • conduct surveys and consultations;
  • understand the views of residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders;
  • evaluate events, campaigns and services;
  • improve local information and destination activity; and
  • support research, reporting and planning.

Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in understanding audiences, evaluating activities and improving services, or consent where appropriate.

Where possible, survey and consultation findings will be anonymised or aggregated before wider reporting.

User-submitted content

We may use information, photographs, videos, stories, testimonials, event information or other content that you submit to us to:

  • respond to your submission;
  • assess content for publication;
  • publish approved content on the Website;
  • promote local places, events, activities and businesses;
  • share relevant content through associated communications or social media channels; and
  • maintain records relating to permissions and content use.

Lawful basis: depending on the circumstances, consent, performance of an agreement with you, or our legitimate interests in managing Website content and promoting the place or destination.

Where appropriate, we will obtain any additional permissions required before using identifiable photographs, videos, testimonials or other submitted content.

Local business, attraction, venue and event information

We may use business contact information and professional information to:

  • maintain local directories and listings;
  • communicate with local businesses, attractions, venues and event organisers;
  • verify or update published information;
  • promote events, places and activities;
  • request information for Website content;
  • support place-promotion activity; and
  • maintain relationships with local partners and stakeholders.

Lawful basis: our legitimate interests in maintaining accurate local information, managing professional relationships and supporting the promotion of the place or destination.

Suppliers, contractors and partners

We may use personal information to:

  • manage contracts and working relationships;
  • process payments and invoices;
  • communicate about services and projects;
  • manage campaigns, events and promotional activity;
  • maintain appropriate business records; and
  • meet legal, financial and regulatory obligations.

Lawful basis: performance of a contract, taking steps before entering into a contract, compliance with legal obligations and/or our legitimate interests in managing our operations and professional relationships.

Legal, regulatory and security purposes

We may use personal information where necessary to:

  • comply with legal and regulatory requirements;
  • maintain appropriate records;
  • establish, exercise or defend legal claims;
  • prevent or investigate misuse, fraud or unlawful activity;
  • respond to lawful requests from regulators, courts or public authorities;
  • protect users, staff and third parties;
  • protect our rights, property, systems and services; and
  • maintain Website and information security.

Lawful basis: compliance with a legal obligation and/or our legitimate interests in protecting our organisation, users, systems and services and managing legal and regulatory matters.

5. Our legitimate interests

Where we rely on legitimate interests, these may include:

  • operating, maintaining and improving the Website;
  • providing useful and relevant local information;
  • promoting the place or destination;
  • supporting local events, attractions, activities and businesses;
  • understanding how people use the Website;
  • improving Website content and user experience;
  • responding to enquiries and feedback;
  • managing relationships with local businesses, partners, suppliers and stakeholders;
  • administering appropriate competitions, campaigns and promotions;
  • maintaining accurate records;
  • protecting our systems, services and organisation;
  • preventing misuse, fraud and security threats; and
  • evaluating and improving our activities and services.

We will not rely on legitimate interests where our interests are overridden by your rights and interests.

Where required, we carry out an appropriate assessment to consider the necessity of the processing and balance our interests against the potential impact on individuals.

6. Who we share personal information with

We do not sell personal information.

Where necessary and lawful, we may share personal information with:

  • Groundwork CLM staff and authorised personnel;
  • organisations involved in managing or supporting the Website;
  • organisations involved in place management or destination promotion;
  • local authorities and other public bodies;
  • Business Improvement Districts and partner organisations;
  • IT, website, hosting and technical support providers;
  • email and communications service providers;
  • analytics providers;
  • survey and consultation platforms;
  • event registration and management providers;
  • competition, promotion and prize partners where necessary;
  • venues, attractions or event organisers where necessary to fulfil a request or service;
  • professional advisers, including legal, financial, audit and insurance advisers;
  • contractors and service providers working on our behalf;
  • regulators, courts, law enforcement agencies or other authorities where required or permitted by law; and
  • other parties where you have asked us to share information or have provided valid consent.

Where a supplier processes personal information on our behalf, we require appropriate contractual and security arrangements in accordance with applicable data protection law.

Where information is shared with another independent controller, that organisation is responsible for its own use of the personal information and should provide appropriate privacy information.

We will not share newsletter subscriber details with local businesses merely so those businesses can send their own marketing communications unless there is a lawful basis and this has been clearly explained to the individuals concerned.

7. Service providers and online platforms

We may use third-party platforms and service providers to support our activities, for example for:

  • email communications;
  • website hosting;
  • website security;
  • analytics;
  • surveys and consultations;
  • event bookings;
  • online forms;
  • document storage;
  • maps and location features;
  • embedded media;
  • social media functionality; and
  • other Website services.

The specific providers used may vary between websites and over time.

These providers may process personal information on our behalf or, in some cases, as independent controllers. Their role depends on the service and contractual arrangements in place.

Where third-party content is embedded in the Website, such as maps, videos or social media content, the relevant third party may collect information about your interaction with that content. Where required, such technologies will not be activated until appropriate consent has been obtained.

8. Social media

We may operate accounts or pages on third-party social media platforms.

If you interact with us through social media, for example by:

  • following an account;
  • liking, sharing or commenting on content;
  • sending a direct message;
  • tagging us;
  • entering a social media competition; or
  • submitting content,

we may receive personal information from you and from the relevant social media platform.

We use this information to:

  • respond to messages and comments;
  • manage engagement;
  • administer campaigns or competitions;
  • understand audience interaction; and
  • promote the place or destination.

Lawful basis: depending on the circumstances, our legitimate interests, consent or performance of a contract.

Social media platforms process personal information under their own terms and privacy notices. We recommend that you review the privacy information and settings provided by the relevant platform.

9. International transfers

Some of our service providers may process or store personal information outside the United Kingdom.

Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will ensure that the transfer is lawful and that appropriate safeguards are used where required. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

  • transfers to countries covered by UK adequacy regulations;
  • the UK International Data Transfer Agreement;
  • the UK Addendum to approved standard contractual clauses; or
  • another lawful transfer mechanism permitted under UK data protection law.

Where required, we will also consider the risks associated with the transfer and apply additional safeguards where appropriate.

You may contact us using the details in this notice if you would like further information about safeguards relevant to a particular transfer.

10. How long we keep personal information

We keep personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, including to meet legal, regulatory, accounting, contractual and reporting requirements.

Our retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the reason for processing it. For example:

  • newsletter and marketing records: 3 years from project end, unless you unsubscribe earlier or another retention requirement applies;
  • enquiry and correspondence records: 3 years from project end;
  • event and activity records: as required by the relevant event, funding or delivery arrangements, or 3 years from project end;
  • competition and prize draw records: for the period necessary to administer the competition and deal with related queries, complaints, legal or regulatory requirements;
  • survey and consultation records: for the period necessary to analyse and report on the activity and meet relevant project or legal requirements;
  • user-submitted content and permission records: for as long as the content is used and for an appropriate period afterwards to maintain evidence of permissions and use;
  • supplier and contract records: as required by contract or 3 years from contract end, unless a longer period is required;
  • financial and accounting records: as required by law;
  • website security logs: for a period proportionate to security and operational requirements;
  • cookie and analytics information: according to the relevant cookie duration, analytics configuration and applicable legal requirements; and
  • complaints and data protection request records: for as long as reasonably necessary to manage the matter and demonstrate compliance with legal obligations.

Where you unsubscribe from marketing communications, we may retain limited information on a suppression list so that we can respect your request not to receive further marketing.

When deciding how long to retain personal information, we consider:

  • the purpose for which it was collected;
  • the amount, nature and sensitivity of the information;
  • legal and regulatory requirements;
  • contractual and funding requirements;
  • relevant limitation periods;
  • the risk of harm from unauthorised use or disclosure; and
  • whether the purpose can be achieved using anonymised information.

When personal information is no longer required, we will securely delete, destroy or anonymise it.

11. How we protect personal information

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:

  • unauthorised access;
  • accidental or unlawful loss;
  • misuse;
  • alteration;
  • disclosure; and

Measures may include access controls, password protection, secure systems, staff training, appropriate contractual arrangements, backups and other safeguards proportionate to the risks involved.

However, no method of transmitting or storing information is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Your data protection rights

Depending on the circumstances and the lawful basis on which we rely, you may have the right to:

  • be informed about how your personal information is used;
  • request access to the personal information we hold about you;
  • request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information;
  • request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances;
  • request restriction of processing in certain circumstances;
  • object to processing in certain circumstances, including certain processing based on legitimate interests;
  • object to direct marketing at any time;
  • request data portability in certain circumstances;
  • withdraw consent at any time where we rely on consent, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal; and
  • raise concerns or make a complaint about how we use your personal information.

These rights are not absolute and may be subject to legal conditions, limitations or exemptions.

We will not usually charge a fee for exercising your data protection rights. We may ask for information reasonably necessary to verify your identity before responding to a request.

To exercise your rights, contact us using the details in section 15.

13. Automated decision-making

We do not make decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects about individuals based solely on automated processing.

14. Cookies, analytics and similar technologies

The Website may use cookies and similar technologies, including pixels, tags, scripts, local storage or comparable technologies, to:

  • enable essential Website functions;
  • maintain Website security;
  • remember preferences;
  • understand how visitors use the Website;
  • measure Website performance;
  • improve content and user experience;
  • provide maps, videos or other embedded services;
  • support social media functionality; and
  • support advertising or campaign measurement where applicable and permitted by law.

Some technologies are essential for the Website to function and may not require consent.

Where required by law, we will ask for consent before using non-essential cookies or similar technologies. You can manage your choices through the Website’s cookie controls where available.

Withdrawing or refusing consent to non-essential technologies will not prevent access to the core Website, although some optional features may not function as intended.

15. How to contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Notice, wish to exercise your data protection rights, or wish to raise a concern or complaint about our use of your personal information, please contact:

Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside
74–80 Hallgate
Wigan
WN1 1HP

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01942 821 444

We will handle data protection complaints in accordance with applicable legal requirements and our data protection complaints procedure.

16. How to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office

If you are unhappy with how we have used your personal information, you may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”), the UK’s independent data protection regulator.

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: ico.org.uk

We would welcome the opportunity to address your concerns directly, so you may wish to contact us first. However, you have the right to raise a concern with the ICO.

17. Links to other websites and third-party services

The Website may contain links to websites, booking services, ticketing platforms, maps, social media services, local businesses, attractions, venues and other services operated by third parties.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties.

If you follow a link to another website or use a third-party service, that organisation may collect and use personal information under its own privacy notice.

We recommend that you review the privacy information provided by the relevant third party before providing personal information.

18. Children’s personal information

The Website is intended for a general audience and may include information about family activities, events and attractions.

We do not knowingly seek to collect personal information directly from children unless this is necessary for a specific activity and appropriate safeguards are in place.

Where an activity involves the collection of children’s personal information, we will consider:

  • the age of the child;
  • the nature of the information;
  • the purpose of the processing;
  • whether parental or guardian involvement is appropriate;
  • the need for clear, age-appropriate privacy information; and
  • any additional legal or safeguarding requirements.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information to us inappropriately, please contact us using the details in this notice.

19. Changes to this Privacy Notice

We keep this Privacy Notice under regular review to ensure that it remains accurate and reflects how we use personal information.

We may update this notice from time to time. Where changes are significant, we will take reasonable steps to bring them to the attention of affected individuals where appropriate.

The latest version will be published on the Website and identified by the “Last updated” date at the top of this notice.

 

Mailing List Privacy Policy

Northwich Business Improvement District will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.