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Privacy Policy

Effective date: 09/09/2025

Swerve Designs (“Swerve Designs”, “we”, “us”, “our”) operates https://swerve-designs.co.uk (the “Site”). We respect your privacy and are committed to safeguarding personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and, where applicable, international best practice.

This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, who we share it with, how long we keep it, and your rights. It covers visitors to the Site and people who contact us, enquire about services, or become clients.

1) Who is responsible for your data?

  • Responsible party (controller): Swerve Designs

  • Contact email: info@swerve-designs.co.uk (you may also reach erwin@swerve-designs.co.uk)

  • Correspondence address: Available on request; meetings by appointment (Pretoria virtual office).

2) What personal information we collect

We collect information in two ways: you provide it or it’s collected automatically when you use the Site.

Information you provide

  • Contact details (name, email, phone), company name and role

  • Project information (goals, budget, timelines, website URL)

  • Billing details when you become a client (e.g., invoicing particulars)

  • Any files or content you send us

Information collected automatically

  • Device and usage data (IP address, browser type, pages visited, time on page)

  • Cookies and similar technologies (see Cookies below)

  • Event data from analytics tools (e.g., page views, conversions)

We do not intentionally collect special categories of personal information. Please avoid sending sensitive information unless requested for a lawful purpose.

3) Lawful basis and purposes for processing

We process personal information only where we have a valid basis:

  • Contract: To provide proposals, deliver services, manage projects, and issue invoices.

  • Legitimate interests: To run and protect the Site, improve services, prevent abuse, and respond to enquiries.

  • Consent: For optional activities such as marketing emails or placing non-essential cookies.

  • Legal obligation: To comply with tax, accounting, and other legal requirements.

We use personal information to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide quotes

  • Deliver and support our services (design, development, maintenance, SEO, content)

  • Improve Site performance, content quality, and usability

  • Send operational messages (project updates, invoices)

  • Send marketing updates where you’ve opted in (you may opt out anytime)

4) Cookies and similar technologies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use them to keep the Site secure, understand performance, and improve content.

Types we may use

  • Essential cookies – required for security and core functionality

  • Analytics cookies – help us understand traffic and usage patterns (e.g., Google Analytics)

  • Functionality cookies – remember preferences to improve experience

You can manage cookies via our banner (where shown) or your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may limit features.

5) Third parties and service providers

We use trusted providers to help operate the Site and deliver services. These may include:

  • Hosting and infrastructure (e.g., reputable South African or international hosts)

  • Analytics and tag management (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager)

  • Email, communication, and file transfer tools (e.g., secure email, cloud storage)

  • Payment and accounting tools (only if/when applicable)

Providers act on our instructions and are bound by confidentiality obligations. We only share the minimum data needed for the stated purpose. If required by law, we may disclose information to authorities.

6) International transfers

Some providers may process data in countries outside South Africa. Where this happens, we take appropriate steps to ensure a level of protection that is substantially similar to POPIA requirements (e.g., contractual safeguards).

7) Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes set out above:

  • Enquiry and project correspondence: typically up to 24 months after last activity

  • Client and billing records: 5 years or longer if required by tax law

  • Analytics data: typically 26 months (tool default) unless configured otherwise

When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it safely.

8) Security

We employ reasonable administrative, technical, and organisational measures to protect personal information:

  • Access is limited to authorised personnel on a need-to-know basis

  • Strong authentication on accounts and systems

  • Encrypted connections (HTTPS/SSL) and regular software updates

    No method is completely secure; we monitor for issues and act promptly if concerns arise.

9) Your rights

Subject to POPIA and applicable law, you may:

  • Access your personal information

  • Rectify inaccurate or incomplete details

  • Delete personal information (where no legal grounds require retention)

  • Object to or restrict processing in certain cases

  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

  • Complain to the Information Regulator (South Africa) if you believe your rights are infringed

To exercise your rights, contact info@swerve-designs.co.uk. We may need to verify your identity before acting on your request.

10) Children’s privacy

Our Site and services are not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18.

11) Links to other websites

The Site may contain links to third-party websites. Their privacy practices may differ from ours. Please review their policies; we are not responsible for their content or privacy approaches.

12) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Effective date” above shows when the latest changes took effect. Material changes will be highlighted on this page.

13) Contact

Questions or requests about this policy: info@swerve-designs.co.uk

You can also reach erwin@swerve-designs.co.uk for privacy-related matters.

Website Terms of Use

These Terms govern your access to and use of the Site and any content or services we make available through it.

1) Acceptance of terms

By using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

2) Intellectual property

All content on the Site (designs, text, graphics, logos, media, and code) belongs to Swerve Designs or our licensors. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without prior written consent.

3) Third-party services

You may access third-party services or embeds through the Site. Your use of those services is at your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and policies. We are not responsible for any loss arising from third-party services.

4) Accounts (if applicable)

If parts of the Site require an account, you must provide accurate information and keep your credentials secure. You are responsible for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately of unauthorised use.

5) Acceptable use

Do not misuse the Site. You agree not to:

  • Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Site or its systems

  • Interfere with or disrupt the Site’s operation

  • Upload or transmit malicious code or unlawful content

6) Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Site at any time, with or without notice, if we reasonably believe you have breached these Terms or to protect the Site and its users.

7) Disclaimers

The Site is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. We make no warranties that the Site will be uninterrupted or error-free. You use the Site at your own risk.

8) Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Swerve Designs will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from your use of, or inability to use, the Site.

9) Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

10) Changes to the Terms

We may update these Terms occasionally. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

11) Contact

Questions about these Terms: info@swerve-designs.co.uk