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Privacy Policy

 

Last Updated: April 2025

 

Summary

Transparency is at the heart of our operations. Whether you’re browsing our Website, joining as a member, or attending our events, this policy outlines how we handle your personal data and respect your privacy rights. By using our Website or services, you agree to the practices described below.

 

The British Albanian Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is committed to protecting your privacy while fostering business growth and networking opportunities for our members. This Privacy Policy and GDPR statement explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal data when you interact with baccuk.com (“the Website”), become a member, attend our events, or engage with our services, in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

 

  1. Who We Are and How to Contact Us

The British Albanian Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is a UK-based organisation that supports Albanian businesses and professionals through networking, advocacy, and events. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.

Contact Details:
For privacy-related inquiries, please reach out to us at:

  • Email: info@baccuk.com
  • Address: Standard House, 115 Eastmoor St, London SE7 8LX

 

  1. What Data We Collect About You

We may collect, use, and store the following types of personal data:

  • Identity and Contact Information: Name, job title, email address, phone number, and business address (e.g., when you join as a member or register for an event).
  • Business Details: Company name, industry sector, and business interests to facilitate networking and support services for Albanian businesses.
  • Event Information: Attendance records, dietary preferences, or accessibility requirements for events.
  • Financial Information: Payment details for membership fees, event tickets, or sponsorships (processed securely via third-party providers).
  • Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies (see our Cookie Policy).
  • Usage Information: Website navigation patterns, pages visited, and referral sources.
  • Marketing Preferences: Your choices regarding newsletters, event invitations, or promotional materials.

We may also collect special categories of data (e.g., dietary needs for events, which may indicate health or religious beliefs) only with your explicit consent.

 

  1. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data in the following ways:

  • Directly from You: When you sign up as a member, register for events, complete surveys, or contact us.
  • Automated Technologies: Through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs when you use our Website.
  • Third Parties or Public Sources: From partners (e.g., event co-organizers), affiliates, or publicly available sources like company websites or directories, where legally permitted.

 

  1. How and Why We Use Your Data

We use your data for the following purposes:

  • Membership Services: To manage your membership, provide member benefits, and facilitate networking opportunities for Albanian businesses and professionals.
  • Events and Training: To organise and deliver events, webinars, and training sessions, including managing attendance and dietary requirements.
  • Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, event invitations, and marketing materials (if you opt in).
  • Website Improvement: To analyse usage and enhance our Website’s functionality and user experience.
  • Legal Compliance: To meet obligations such as financial reporting or regulatory requirements.

Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR):

  • Consent: For marketing communications, non-essential cookies, or processing special category data (e.g., dietary needs).
  • Contract: To fulfil membership agreements or event registrations.
  • Legitimate Interest: To promote networking and support our members within the Albanian business community.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with UK laws (e.g., tax or financial regulations).

 

  1. Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your data with:

  • Service Providers: Third parties (e.g., website hosting, payment processors, email marketing platforms) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Event Partners and Sponsors: Organisations co-hosting events or providing sponsorship, with your consent, to facilitate networking or event delivery.
  • Other Members: Limited details (e.g., name, company name) may be shared in member directories or during networking events, based on your membership preferences.
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law (e.g., HMRC or regulatory bodies).

 

  1. International Transfers

We primarily store and process your data within the UK. If we need to transfer your data outside the UK (e.g., to international partners for global events or to collaborate with Albanian organisations), we ensure adequate safeguards are in place, such as UK International Data Transfer Agreements (IDTAs) or other mechanisms approved under UK GDPR.

 

  1. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your data only for as long as necessary:

  • Membership Data: 3 years after your membership ends, unless legally required longer.
  • Event Data: 12 months after the event, unless you’re a member.
  • Financial Data: 7 years, to comply with UK legal requirements.
  • Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent.
  • Website Analytics: Up to 2 years, anonymised where possible.

Data is securely deleted or anonymised once it’s no longer needed.

 

  1. Your Data Protection Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right to Be Informed: To know how your data is used (as outlined in this policy).
  • Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data.
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object: Object to processing, such as for marketing or legitimate interest purposes.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Stop processing where consent is the basis.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@baccuk.com. We’ll respond within one month, though complex requests may take longer (we’ll inform you if so).

 

  1. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our Website, analyse usage, and deliver personalised content. You can manage your preferences via our Cookie Consent tool. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

 

  1. Data Security

We implement robust measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encryption for data transmission and storage.
  • Access controls to limit who can view your data.
  • Regular security audits and staff training.

Despite our efforts, no online system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against breaches.

 

  1. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., member businesses, event partners, or affiliates). We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so we encourage you to review their policies.

 

  1. Complaints

If you’re concerned about how we handle your data, please contact us at info@baccuk.com. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk

 

  1. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted here with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information.

 

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