Cookie Policy

New legal requirements about privacy and website users came into force in the UK in May 2011 following implementation in the UK of EU legislation.

This is often referred to as ‘cookies’ legislation and many websites are now asking users to consent to having cookies ‘dropped’ on their computers when they visit.

Cookies are small text files that are placed on to your computer by websites that you visit. They are used to make websites work, to improve efficiency of websites, to improve the user’s experience and to provide usage information on websites. This information should make your website visits more productive by storing and using information on your website preferences and habits.

Cookies may be either “persistent” cookies or “session” cookies: a persistent cookie will be stored by a web browser and will remain valid until its set expiry date, unless deleted by the user before the expiry date; a session cookie, on the other hand, will expire at the end of the user session, when the web browser is closed.

When a visitor accesses website features that use cookies, cookies are downloaded on to their device. The information accessed by the cookie is used to improve the user experience on the website by, for example:

• ensuring the user does not have to give the same information several times during one task
• recognising that the user has given a username and password so that this is not necessary for every web page requested
• measuring how many people are using services, and which pages they are visiting so that the site can be made easier to use and has enough capacity

We may offer cookies to you and you should ensure that your web browser is set up to not accept cookies if you do not wish to receive them. Please note that if you disable cookies, some services or website functionality may not be available. For further information about cookies and how to disable them please go to www.aboutcookies.org.

Cookies do not typically contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal information that we store about you may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from cookies.

By continuing to use this site, you are accepting our use of the cookies described below that make advertising and communications more relevant to you and your interests, and further help us to improve the site.