Last Updated: June 2026
1. Introduction
Northumberland Networking (operated on a voluntary basis by Catherine Watson, AskMrsWatson.com) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy.
This Privacy Notice explains how your personal data is collected, used, stored and protected when you:
- Visit the website;
- Register for networking events;
- Subscribe to the newsletter;
- Create an account;
- Submit a business directory listing;
- Contact via the contact form with an enquiry; or
- Engage with Northumberland Networking activities.
Personal data is processed in accordance with:
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR);
- Data Protection Act 2018;
- Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; and
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
2. Who Northumberland Networking Are
Northumberland Networking – Catherine Watson T/A AskMrsWatson.com is the Data Controller. For more details see the ICO register entry at https://ico.org.uk/ESDWebPages/Entry/ZA244763. Northumberland Networking is a free monthly event organised by Catherine (Kate) Watson and is not an entity in itself or a stand alone organisation or trading entity.
Email: hello@northumberlandnetworking.org
Telephone: 07480 234707
If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your data is used, please get in touch using the details above.
3. Personal Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, the following personal data may be collected:
Identity Information
- Name
- Username
- Business name
- Job title
Contact Information
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Postal address (where provided)
Account Information
- Login credentials
- Account preferences
- Profile information
Business Directory Information (when that starts 😊)
- Business descriptions
- Website addresses
- Social media links
- Images and logos you choose to upload
Event Information
- Event registrations
- Attendance records
- Dietary or accessibility requirements where voluntarily provided
Marketing Information
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Communication preferences
- Marketing consent records
Technical Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Website usage data
- Cookies and analytics information
Communications
- Emails
- Enquiry forms
- Messages sent through the website
4. How Your Information Is Used
Your information is/will be used for the following purposes:
- Managing networking events
- Processing registrations
- Maintaining business directory listings
- Managing user accounts
Lawful Basis: Legitimate Interests
To Respond to Enquiries
- Answering questions
- Managing communications
Lawful Basis: Legitimate Interests
To Send Electronic Communications
- Event announcements
- Networking updates
- News and opportunities relevant to Northumberland Networking
Lawful Basis: Consent
You may withdraw your consent at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in Northumberland Networking communications.
To Improve the Website
- Understanding website usage
- Monitoring performance
- Improving user experience
Lawful Basis: Consent (where cookies are used) and Legitimate Interests
To Meet Legal Obligations
- Compliance with applicable laws
- Fraud prevention
- Security monitoring
Lawful Basis: Legal Obligation
5. Newsletter and Marketing Communications
Where you choose to subscribe, your contact details will be used to send:
- Event information;
- Networking opportunities;
- Business support information;
- News and updates relating to Northumberland Networking.
You can unsubscribe at any time by:
- Clicking the unsubscribe link in emails; or
- Contacting the Data Controller stated in this privacy notice directly.
Records of consent are maintained in accordance with UK GDPR and PECR requirements.
6. Business Directory Listings (when they start 😊)
Information submitted for inclusion within the business directory may be publicly visible.
You should only submit information that you are happy to make publicly available.
You remain responsible for ensuring that any information you submit is accurate and does not infringe the rights of others.
7. Cookies and Analytics
The website may use cookies and similar technologies.
These may include:
Necessary Cookies
Required for website functionality and security.
Analytics Cookies
Used to understand website usage and improve services.
Marketing Cookies
Used only where you have provided consent.
For more information around cookies visit All About Cookies at https://allaboutcookies.org/
8. Sharing Your Information
You personal data may be with:
Service Providers
Such as:
- Website hosting providers (IONOS)
- Email marketing providers (Mailerlite)
- Event management systems (Amelia event booking plug-in)
- IT support providers (Compusolve IT Solutions)
Regulatory Authorities
Where required by law.
Your personal data will not be sold to third parties.
9. International Transfers
Some service providers may process information outside the UK.
Where this occurs, you can be assured that there are appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA);
- UK Addendum to Standard Contractual Clauses; or
- Adequacy Regulations.
10. Data Security
Appropriate technical and organisational measures are implemented to protect personal data from:
- Unauthorised access;
- Accidental loss;
- Destruction;
- Alteration; and
- Disclosure.
These measures include access controls, password protection, software updates and secure hosting arrangements.
11. How Long Personal Data is Retained
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary.
Typical retention periods include:
| Information Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Enquiries | 24 months |
| Event registrations | 3 years |
| Newsletter records | Until unsubscribed plus 24 months |
| User accounts | Duration of account plus 12 months |
| Directory listings | Duration of listing plus 12 months |
| Website logs | Up to 12 months |
Retention periods may be extended where required by law or to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.
12. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Be informed about how your data is used;
- Access your personal data;
- Request correction of inaccurate data;
- Request erasure of personal data;
- Restrict processing;
- Object to processing;
- Request data portability;
- Withdraw consent at any time where consent is relied upon.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact the Data Controller stated in this privacy notice.
13. Right to Complain
If you are unhappy with how your personal information has been handled, please contact the Data Controller in this privacy notice first so your complaint can be investigated.
Under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, individuals have the right to raise a complaint directly with an organisation regarding its handling of personal data.
If you remain dissatisfied, you may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk
14. Changes to This Privacy Notice
This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time.
Any significant changes will be published on this website together with the revised date of publication.