Cookie Policy
Last updated: 16 February 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Element & Oak (a trading name of James AG Smith Consulting Ltd) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website https://elementandoak.co.uk.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function, improve performance, remember preferences and understand how visitors use the site.
Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), we must:
- Tell you about all cookies that store or access data on your device, and explain what they do. [1](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/)
- Obtain your consent for any non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics, marketing). [1](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/)
- Provide clear information and easy controls for Accept / Reject / Manage preferences. [1](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/)
2. Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies enable essential site functions such as security, checkout, cart functionality, and account login. They do not require consent.
Analytics & Performance Cookies
These help us understand how visitors interact with our site—for example, what pages are visited and for how long. These cookies require your consent.
Functionality Cookies
These remember user preferences such as region, saved items or enhanced features. These require consent unless essential for a requested service.
Marketing & Personalisation Cookies
Used for targeted advertising, remarketing pixels and user profiling. These always require explicit consent.
3. Cookies We Set
Below is a general table of the cookie categories used on our site. The exact cookies may change depending on your consent settings and integrations (e.g., HubSpot, analytics, payment plugins).
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| woocommerce_cart_hash | WooCommerce | Stores cart information while browsing | Session | Strictly necessary |
| woocommerce_items_in_cart | WooCommerce | Tracks number of items in cart | Session | Strictly necessary |
| wp_woocommerce_session_* | WooCommerce | Stores unique session ID for logged-in and guest users | 2 days | Strictly necessary |
| hubspotutk | HubSpot | Tracks visitors for CRM and form submissions | 6 months | Analytics / marketing (requires consent) |
| __hstc | HubSpot | Main analytics tracking cookie | 6 months | Analytics (requires consent) |
| __hssrc / __hssc | HubSpot | Session timing & visit grouping for analytics | Session | Analytics (requires consent) |
| _ga / _gid / _gat | Google Analytics (if enabled) | Basic website usage analytics | 1 day – 2 years | Analytics (requires consent) |
| ppsc_* (PayPal cookies) | PayPal | Fraud detection, payment security | Varies | Strictly necessary / functional depending on type |
4. How We Obtain Consent
When you first visit our site, a cookie banner appears allowing you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject all non-essential cookies
- Manage preferences by category
PECR requires us to block all non-essential cookies until you give your permission. [1](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/direct-marketing-and-privacy-and-electronic-communications/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/)
Our banner and preference centre follow current ICO guidance. DUAA 2025 may introduce future exemptions for low‑risk categories, but consent rules still apply as of 2026. [2](https://www.burges-salmon.com/articles/102l7bs/key-insights-from-the-icos-updated-draft-cookies-guidance-following-duaa/)
5. Changing Your Preferences
You can change or withdraw your cookie consent at any time by selecting “Cookie Settings” in the site footer (or via our banner if it reappears).
6. Managing Cookies in Your Browser
You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings. Please note this may affect site functionality such as checkout or login.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at:
privacy@elementandoak.co.uk