Last updated: 1 August 2026
This policy explains how this website, operated by Steve Mark Consultancy Ltd trading as We Are SMC, uses cookies and similar technologies. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device when you visit. They let the site remember your actions and preferences, keep it secure, and help us understand how the site is used. We also use similar technologies, such as browser local storage and tracking pixels, which work in a comparable way. In this policy we refer to all of these as “cookies”.
Cookies may be set by us (first-party cookies) or by third-party services we use, such as our analytics and advertising providers (third-party cookies). They may last only for your visit (session cookies) or remain on your device for a set period (persistent cookies).
2. The categories of cookies we use
We group the cookies on this site into three categories.
Strictly necessary cookies are needed for the website to work and to keep it secure. They include cookies set by our hosting and security provider, Cloudflare, cookies set by Cloudflare Turnstile to protect our contact form from automated abuse, and cookies set by the HighLevel booking and form tools so those features function. These do not require your consent. We also use first-party browser local storage to remember the marketing campaign you arrived from (the gclid and UTM parameters), so we can attribute enquiries to the right source.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the site, such as which pages are visited and how people move through it, so we can improve it. We use Google Analytics for this.
Marketing and advertising cookies are used to measure the performance of our advertising and to show relevant adverts on other websites. We use the Meta (Facebook) pixel for this.
Analytics, marketing and advertising cookies are non-essential and are only used with your consent. When you first visit the site, a consent banner asks whether to allow these categories, with rejecting them made as easy as accepting. Until you accept, no analytics or advertising cookies are set, and the analytics and advertising tools do not load.
3. Cookies at a glance
| Category | Provider and examples | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Cloudflare (for example __cf_bm) | Security, bot management and site delivery | Session to around 30 minutes |
| Strictly necessary | Cloudflare Turnstile | Protects the contact form from automated abuse | Session or short-lived |
| Strictly necessary | HighLevel / LeadConnector booking and form embed | Makes the booking calendar and forms work | Session and functional |
| Similar technology | We Are SMC (first-party local storage) | Remembers the campaign you arrived from for attribution | Until cleared by you |
| Analytics | Google Analytics (for example _ga, ga*) | Measures how the site is used | Up to 2 years |
| Marketing | Meta pixel (for example _fbp) | Measures ad performance and supports advertising | Around 90 days |
Cookie names and durations set by third parties can change. The examples above are a guide.
4. How to control cookies
You can control and refuse non-essential cookies in the following ways.
- Consent banner: when you first visit, our consent banner lets you accept all, reject all, or choose analytics and advertising separately. Rejecting is as easy as accepting, and non-essential cookies are not set unless you accept.
- Change your mind at any time: use the “Cookie preferences” link in the footer of any page to reopen the banner and update or withdraw your consent. Withdrawing consent stops the relevant tools loading on your next page view; you can also clear existing cookies through your browser.
- Browser settings: most browsers let you block or delete cookies, and be warned before a cookie is set. Refer to your browser’s help pages. Blocking all cookies may affect how parts of the site work.
- Provider opt-outs: you can opt out of Google Analytics using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, and manage Meta advertising in your Facebook or Instagram ad preferences.
We use Google Consent Mode, so Google’s tags respect your choice and do not use analytics or advertising storage until you consent.
Strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off through the consent banner, as the site relies on them to function and stay secure.
5. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the tools we use change. The date at the top shows when it was last revised.
6. How to contact us
For any question about our use of cookies, contact us at [email protected], call 07849 020558, or write to Steve Mark Consultancy Ltd, 25 Market Square, Leighton Buzzard, UK.