Last updated: 25 July 2026. This policy explains what cookies and similar technologies we use on this website, why, and how you can manage your preferences.
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website when you visit it. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, and to provide information to the site owners. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and pixels, which we refer to collectively as "cookies" in this policy.
This website uses Google Consent Mode v2. All non-essential cookies are blocked by default until you provide consent via the cookie banner. The default state of all advertising and analytics signals is denied. Only strictly necessary cookies are placed without your consent.
These cookies are essential for the website to function. They cannot be switched off. They are typically set in response to actions you take - such as recording your cookie consent preference. No personal data is shared with third parties via these cookies.
| Cookie / Storage key | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
cookieConsent | This website (localStorage) | Stores your cookie consent choice (accepted / rejected) | Until browser storage is cleared |
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our editorial content. All data is pseudonymised or aggregated. These cookies are placed only if you click "Accept All" or enable Analytics via the Settings panel.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
_ga_* | Google Analytics | Stores and counts page views for a specific Google Analytics property | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users - stores and updates a unique value for each page visited | 24 hours |
These cookies may be set through our site by advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. These cookies are placed only if you click "Accept All" or enable Marketing via the Settings panel.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_gcl_au | Google Ads | Used by Google AdSense to experiment with advertisement efficiency across websites | 3 months |
IDE | Google DoubleClick | Used by Google DoubleClick to register and report the user's actions after viewing or clicking an ad | 1 year |
We do not currently use any functionality cookies beyond those listed under strictly necessary above.
We implement Google Consent Mode v2 via js/consent-mode.js, which is loaded as the first script in <head> on every page. The default state is:
ad_storage: 'denied'ad_user_data: 'denied'ad_personalization: 'denied'analytics_storage: 'denied'functionality_storage: 'granted'security_storage: 'granted'These signals are updated to 'granted' only when you actively accept via the banner or settings panel. Google's systems use these signals to adjust their data collection and modelling behaviour accordingly.
Some cookies listed above are set by third parties (Google). We have no direct control over third-party cookies. Please refer to the relevant third-party privacy policies:
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using the following methods:
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please revisit this policy regularly to stay informed. The "last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when it was last revised.
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk if you believe your data rights have been infringed.