Privacy Policy
LAST UPDATED: 4 September 2025
Who We Are
Autowerks Ltd operates the automotive service centre at Brown Street Garage, Bolton. As a family-run business, we take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal data.
This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our services, in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Our Commitment
- Your data is never sold to third parties
- We only collect what's necessary for our services
- You have full control over your data
How We Handle Your Data
Transparency is key to our approach. Here's everything you need to know about how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us when you book a service, request a quote, or contact us for support.
How We Use Your Data
We use your information to provide our automotive services, communicate with you, and comply with legal requirements.
Data Security
We implement appropriate measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access or unlawful processing.
Technical Information We Collect
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information to improve your experience.
Device Information
We collect data that helps us understand how you access our services:
- •Device type and operating system
- •Browser type and version
- •IP address for security and location services
- •Pages visited and time spent
Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies to enhance your experience:
- •Essential cookies for website functionality
- •Analytics to improve our services
- •Preferences to remember your choices
- •You can manage cookie preferences in your browser
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations.
- MOT records: Minimum period required by DVSA
- Service history: 7 years for warranty purposes
- Financial records: 6 years as required by law
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:
- Access your personal data we hold
- Correct any inaccuracies in your data
- Request deletion (where legally permitted)
- Object to or restrict processing
- Data portability for information you provided
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data lawfully and transparently under the following legal grounds:
Contract Performance
Processing necessary to perform our services including MOT testing, servicing, and repairs.
Legal Obligations
Processing required by law, such as maintaining MOT records and DVSA compliance.
Legitimate Interests
Processing for business interests like service reminders and quality improvements.
Consent
Where you've given explicit consent for specific processing activities.
Information Sharing
We only share your information when necessary to provide our services or comply with legal requirements.
DVSA
MOT test results as required by law
Parts Suppliers
When ordering specific parts for your vehicle
Insurance Companies
When authorised by you for claims
Service Providers
Trusted partners who help deliver our services
Never Sold
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.
Your trust is important to us. We only share data when necessary to provide you with the best service.
Data Security
We take the security of your personal information seriously.
Our Security Commitment
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, accidental loss, or unlawful processing.
These measures are designed to provide a level of security appropriate to the risk of processing your personal information. We regularly review our security procedures to consider appropriate new technology and methods.
Please note: While we strive to protect your personal data, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you and relevant authorities of any data breaches as required by law.
Your Privacy Choices
Marketing Communications
We'll only send you marketing communications with your consent. You can:
- Opt out of marketing emails at any time
- Choose which types of communications you receive
- Update your preferences by contacting us
Service Communications
Some communications are essential for our services:
- MOT reminders (legally required)
- Service confirmations and updates
- Important safety recalls
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at individuals under 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. Vehicle owners must be legally able to drive and own a vehicle. If we become aware that we have collected data from someone under 18, we will promptly delete it.
If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.
Questions About Your Privacy?
We're here to help. Contact us if you have any questions about how we handle your data.
Your Right to Complain: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your personal data appropriately.
Key Terms Explained
Personal Data
Information that can identify you directly or indirectly, such as your name, address, phone number, email, or vehicle registration.
Processing
Any action we perform with your data, including collecting, storing, using, sharing, or deleting it.
Data Controller
Autowerks Ltd is the data controller, meaning we decide how and why your personal data is processed.
Third Parties
External organisations we may share data with, such as DVSA, parts suppliers, or insurance companies (always with lawful basis).
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or through a notice on our website.
This privacy policy supplements any other notices and is not intended to override them.