Updated 9 October 2026. Hardie Sweeps, based in Herne Bay, is responsible for your information. For privacy questions or requests, email hardiesweeps@outlook.com.
Quotes and appointments
The booking form asks for your contact details, address, fireplace information, access arrangements and preferred appointment. We use these to respond, prepare a quote and arrange the service you request. This is processing needed to take steps towards, or perform, our contract with you. Without the necessary contact and job details we may be unable to quote or attend. Notes are optional: please avoid including sensitive information unrelated to the job.
Email preferences
The Soot Society is currently paused and is not accepting new sign-ups through this website. We retain existing membership and consent records in our private database, accessible through a protected owner dashboard. Booking a sweep does not subscribe you to marketing.
You can object to direct marketing and withdraw your consent at any time. Email hardiesweeps@outlook.com with “Unsubscribe” and the email address to remove. We handle requests personally. Withdrawal does not affect processing that was lawful before you withdrew consent, or messages needed for an existing booking.
Where your information goes
Vercel hosts this website. The booking and membership forms connect to our existing service hosted through OpenAI Sites on Cloudflare. Cloudflare D1 stores membership and consent records, and encrypted Microsoft connection details. Microsoft Outlook checks availability, holds requested appointments and sends service emails. These providers may process technical information such as IP addresses and request logs for delivery and security. We use necessary technical records for our legitimate interest in keeping the service reliable and preventing abuse.
These providers may process information outside the UK. Their notices explain their processing locations and transfer arrangements: OpenAI, Cloudflare, Microsoft and Vercel. Contact us for information about the arrangements relevant to your request.
How long information is kept
We keep enquiry and booking correspondence for as long as needed to deal with the request, provide the service and resolve related queries or disputes. Where records are needed to meet accounting or other legal obligations, that obligation determines retention. Mailing information is needed while you remain subscribed. After an opt out, a minimal record may be kept to ensure you are not added again. Requests to review or remove records are handled personally by email, not by an automatic deletion system.
Your choices and rights
You can ask to access or correct your information, and request deletion, restriction or a portable copy where applicable. You can also object to processing based on legitimate interests. Email us to exercise these rights; we may need to confirm your identity. Some records may need to be retained for legal reasons. If you are unhappy with our response, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Cookies and reviews
If you accept measurement cookies, we load Google Ads to measure website visits and successful booking requests from our advertising. Google may receive technical information, page addresses, advertising identifiers and an opaque booking reference used to avoid duplicate conversions. We do not send booking contact details, addresses or notes to Google. Advertising personalisation is disabled. We rely on your consent for this optional tracking; rejecting it does not affect booking. Your choice is stored in your browser for up to 180 days. Use Cookie settings at the bottom of any page to change or withdraw your choice. Google may process information outside the UK under its published privacy and transfer arrangements. The private member dashboard uses a necessary, secure session cookie for owner sign-in; it expires after 12 hours. Hosting providers may use necessary security technologies. Where Google reviews are available, we display public review information; loading a reviewer’s photo may send a request to Google. Google Maps review content is also subject to the Google Privacy Policy. Following a Google or other external link takes you to a service with its own privacy notice.
Quote estimates are indicative. Hardie Sweeps reviews requests personally; the site does not make automated decisions with legal or similarly significant effects.