Cookies Policy

Last updated: 30 October 2026.

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage that can store or access information on your device. These tools can record details such as your IP address, browser type, pages visited and the time spent on those pages. In the United Kingdom this activity is regulated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations alongside the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

Why the site uses them

storyvume operates a commercial website that provides information about audiovisual production courses. Cookies help the site function correctly, remember user choices, measure how visitors interact with content and support essential security measures. Without these technologies some features would not work and the site could not deliver the expected service level.

Strictly necessary, functional, analytics, advertising and social-media categories

Strictly necessary cookies enable core functions such as page navigation and access to secure areas. Functional cookies remember preferences like language or region. Analytics cookies collect information about how visitors use the site so that performance can be improved. Advertising cookies may be used to deliver relevant promotions, although this site does not currently serve targeted advertising. Social-media cookies would allow sharing or embedding of third-party content, but none are active at present.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by storyvume and remain under our control. Third-party cookies are set by external providers such as analytics services. Both types may be present, yet first-party cookies are limited to essential and functional purposes while any third-party activity is restricted to service providers that have been assessed for compliance with UK data protection law.

Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods

Session cookies are temporary and deleted automatically when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period or until manually removed. Necessary session cookies typically expire at the end of the visit. Analytics persistent cookies usually last for up to twenty-four months. Functional cookies may persist for twelve months. Exact durations are listed in the table below.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Necessary cookies process minimal technical data required to deliver the page. Functional cookies store preference settings. Analytics cookies record aggregated usage statistics such as page views and referral sources. No personal identifiers are created by analytics cookies alone. All processing is carried out for the legitimate interests of maintaining and improving the website or with consent where required by PECR.

Consent or exemption basis for each category

Strictly necessary cookies are exempt from consent under PECR because they are essential for the service requested by the user. Functional, analytics and any future advertising cookies require prior consent. Consent is obtained through the site-wide cookie banner and can be withdrawn at any time. The legal basis under UK GDPR for necessary processing is legitimate interests; for other categories it is consent.

Cookie or provider table

The following table summarises the cookies currently in use.

Strictly necessary: provider storyvume, purpose site functionality, duration session only.
Functional: provider storyvume, purpose preference storage, duration twelve months.
Analytics: provider Google Analytics, purpose usage measurement, duration twenty-four months.
Analytics: provider Microsoft Clarity, purpose interaction recording, duration twelve months.

How the consent manager works and how users can reject, change or withdraw choices

The cookie banner appears on first visit and allows selection of categories. Users may accept all, reject non-essential cookies or manage preferences in detail. Choices are stored for twelve months. To change settings later, return to the banner via the footer link or clear browser data. Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing that occurred before withdrawal.

Browser-level controls and functional consequences

Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies through settings. Blocking all cookies may prevent the site from functioning correctly, including loss of saved preferences and inability to complete forms. Disabling analytics cookies will not stop the site working but will reduce the data available for performance improvements. Instructions for common browsers are available from their official support pages.

International transfers and reference to the Privacy Policy

Some analytics providers may transfer data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details on data handling appear in the separate Privacy Policy, which is accessible from the footer.

Policy changes, contact route and last-updated date

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in technology or law. The current version is dated 30 October 2026. For questions please use the contact form on the Contacts page or email [email protected]. Postal enquiries may be sent to Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG and telephone enquiries to 01494 671234.