This cookie policy explains how BUZZBYTES DESIGN & MARKETING LTD ("BuzzBytes") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website at buzzbytes.co.uk. It describes the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control your preferences.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over time. We also use local storage, which stores data directly in your browser rather than in a cookie file. Both are first-party storage technologies set by buzzbytes.co.uk, not by third parties (with the exception of Google Analytics, described below).
Types of cookies we use
We categorise our cookies and storage into three types:
Essential (always on)
Required for the website to function correctly. Includes session storage, authentication and your cookie consent preference. These cannot be turned off.
Functional and personalisation
Stores your selected industry sector, saved AI Planner results and survey progress so we can tailor content to your needs. Not required for the website to function — only stored if you enable this category.
Analytics
Google Analytics cookies that help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it. The Google Analytics script only loads if you enable this category.
Essential storage
The following storage is required for the website to function and cannot be turned off:
- Cookie consent preference (local storage key:
bb_cookie_consent): Stores your cookie consent choices so you are not asked again on every visit. Expires after six months or when the consent version changes. - Authentication session (cookie, set by the Base44 platform): Stores your login session token so you stay logged in when navigating between pages. Required for Academy, Nexus and other account-protected areas. Removed when you log out.
Functional and personalisation storage (optional)
We use local storage to remember your selected industry sector, saved AI Planner results and survey progress, so we can tailor content to your needs on future visits and save your place in longer surveys. This storage is not required for the website to function and is only written if you enable the "Functional and personalisation" consent category. If you disable or withdraw this category, the related keys are removed and no further personalisation storage occurs. You can also clear this data at any time using the "Reset Personalisation" link in the website footer.
buzzbytes_sector: Your selected industry sector.buzzbytes_last_plan: Your last saved AI Planner recommendation.buzzbytes_visited: A flag indicating you have selected a sector before.buzzbytes_planner_draft: A draft of your in-progress AI Planner answers.bb-survey:{slug}: Saves your progress through a survey so a browser refresh does not lose your answers. This key is only created after you actively start a survey, and only if Functional and personalisation consent is enabled. Removed when the survey is completed, cleared, or when Functional consent is withdrawn.
Analytics cookies (optional, Basic Consent Mode)
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the website. We operate in Basic Consent Mode: the Google Analytics script (gtag.js) is not loaded until you grant analytics consent. No cookieless pings, consent pings, page views or other measurements are sent before consent.
If you consent to analytics cookies, the following happens:
- The Google Analytics script is injected into the page and begins collecting usage data.
- Google Analytics sets first-party cookies on your device. The cookie names and durations are set by Google Analytics, not by BuzzBytes.
- Data collected includes page views, session duration, approximate location (city level), device type and referral source. BuzzBytes does not intentionally send names, email addresses, telephone numbers or form contents to Google Analytics. Google Analytics may nevertheless process usage data and pseudonymous online identifiers.
- GA4 is configured with
send_page_view: false. Page views are sent explicitly on route changes, only while analytics consent is granted.
The following analytics cookies may be set by Google Analytics after you grant consent:
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Default duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users and supports website usage measurement | Two years |
| _ga_QN2X6ZD0HR | Google Analytics | Maintains session and measurement state for the GA4 property | Two years |
Google may adjust cookie names, behaviour or durations over time. The live cookies should be verified after deployment. For information about how Google uses data when you use this website, see How Google uses information from sites or apps that use its services. For more information about how Google uses cookies, see Google's privacy and cookies information.
If you reject analytics cookies, the Google Analytics script does not load, no analytics cookies are set, and no requests are made to googletagmanager.com, google-analytics.com or related analytics endpoints.
If you previously accepted analytics cookies and later withdraw consent, we update the consent state to denied, remove accessible first-party analytics cookies (e.g. _ga, _ga_*, _gcl_*), and the Google Analytics script will not load on the next page visit.
Advertising and marketing cookies
BuzzBytes does not currently use any advertising or marketing cookies, tags or pixels. There are no Google Ads, Meta Pixel, remarketing or advertising technologies active on this website. Advertising storage (ad_storage), advertising user data (ad_user_data) and advertising personalisation (ad_personalization) are kept permanently denied in our Google consent configuration.
If advertising technology is introduced in the future, it will be added as a new consent category, the consent version will be increased, and you will be asked to make a fresh choice before any advertising cookies are loaded.
Managing your cookie preferences
When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner appears. You can choose to:
- Accept all — enables essential, functional and analytics cookies. Advertising consent is not granted because BuzzBytes does not use advertising tags.
- Reject non-essential — enables only essential cookies; functional and analytics are disabled. Personalisation keys are removed and the Google Analytics script does not load.
- Manage preferences — lets you enable or disable functional and analytics individually.
- Withdraw consent — available in the preferences panel after you have made a choice. Removes your stored consent, deletes analytics cookies and prevents the Google Analytics script from loading on the next page visit.
Your choice is stored in local storage and remembered on future visits for up to six months. After six months, or if we change the consent categories, technologies, third parties or legal wording, you will be asked to make a fresh decision. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the website footer.
Expired or invalid consent
If your stored consent has expired (after six months), was saved under an old consent version, or has become unreadable or invalid, the application treats all non-essential categories as denied, removes personalisation localStorage keys (including survey progress), removes accessible Google Analytics cookies, prevents the Google Analytics script from loading, and displays the consent banner again so you can make a fresh choice.
Browser controls
In addition to our consent banner, you can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Each browser manages cookies differently, so visit the help pages of your browser for specific instructions. Note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of some website features, including account login and personalisation.
Changes to this policy
We may update this cookie policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for legal reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, contact us at darren@buzzbytes.co.uk.