Legal

Cookie Policy

Effective Date: 9 March 2026  ·  Version 1.0

This Cookie Policy explains how Business Legal Rating uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our platform. It complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), EU ePrivacy Directive, and UK/EU GDPR. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via the cookie settings panel.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits and remember information about your preferences and actions. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, local storage, and session storage.

Cookies can be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (remaining on your device for a set period or until you delete them). They can be set by us ("first-party cookies") or by third-party services we use ("third-party cookies").

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

CategoryPurposeConsent Required?Duration
Strictly NecessaryAuthentication session management, security tokens, CSRF protection, load balancing. These are essential for the platform to function.No — exempt under PECRSession / up to 7 days
PreferencesRemembering your language, display preferences, and cookie consent choices.YesUp to 12 months
AnalyticsUnderstanding how users interact with the platform (pages visited, time on site, error rates). Data is aggregated and anonymised where possible.YesUp to 13 months
MarketingTracking conversions and measuring the effectiveness of any advertising campaigns. Currently not in use — reserved for future use.YesUp to 24 months

3. Specific Cookies We Use

Cookie NameTypeProviderPurposeDuration
blr_sessionStrictly NecessaryFirst-partyMaintains your authenticated session. HTTP-only, Secure, SameSite=None.7 days
blr_consentStrictly NecessaryFirst-partyRecords your cookie consent choices to avoid showing the banner on every visit.12 months
__stripe_midStrictly NecessaryStripe (Third-party)Fraud prevention and payment processing. Required for Stripe checkout.12 months
__stripe_sidStrictly NecessaryStripe (Third-party)Stripe session identifier for payment processing.30 minutes
_blr_analyticsAnalyticsFirst-partyTracks anonymous usage patterns to improve the platform (only set with consent).13 months

5. Managing and Deleting Cookies

In addition to using our cookie settings panel, you can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View and delete existing cookies;
  • Block all cookies or cookies from specific sites;
  • Set preferences for certain websites;
  • Be notified when a website attempts to set a cookie.

Please note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in and using the platform. For browser-specific instructions, visit:

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our platform are set by third-party services. We have no direct control over these cookies. Please refer to the respective third-party privacy policies for more information:

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of material changes by displaying a notice on the platform and, where appropriate, by email. The "Effective Date" at the top will be updated accordingly.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact our Data Protection Officer at:

Email: [email protected]

For UK PECR / GDPR complaints: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) — ico.org.uk

We value your privacy

We use cookies to provide essential platform functionality and, with your consent, to analyse usage and improve our service. We never sell your data. Read our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.

Compliant with UK GDPR, UK PECR, EU ePrivacy Directive, and US CCPA. Consent is recorded with timestamp and version number for accountability.