Privacy policy

Hey Cities (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates a network of local email newsletters across the UK, including Hey Torquay, Hey Reading, and other cities to come. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information:

• Email address (required to subscribe)
• Name (if provided)
• Location or postcode (if provided)
• Interaction data (e.g. email opens, link clicks, event RSVPs)

We may also use analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to gather anonymous data on how our website and newsletters are used.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Send you weekly newsletters with local events
• Personalise and improve our content
• Respond to questions or feedback
• Promote relevant local offers and sponsored messages
• Analyse engagement and improve performance
• Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following legal bases:

• Consent – when you voluntarily subscribe to our newsletters
• Legitimate interests – such as improving our newsletters and providing relevant event or advertiser content
• Legal obligations – to meet compliance or data protection requirements

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” or by contacting us.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We may share it only with trusted third-party services that support our operations, including:

• Email platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)

Some of these providers may operate outside the UK. In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions) to protect your data.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to understand how users engage with our website and email content. You will be asked for consent when visiting our site via a cookie banner. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser or our website settings.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data:

• As long as you remain subscribed to our newsletters
• For up to 30 days after unsubscribing, after which your data is deleted or anonymised unless required for legal reasons

You may request earlier deletion at any time.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction or deletion
• Withdraw your consent at any time
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities
• Request transfer of your data (data portability)
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@heycities.co.uk

8. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including secure servers, limited access, and encryption where appropriate.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will notify you via email or post a notice on our website.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

📧 contact@heycities.co.uk

🛡️ ICO Website: https://ico.org.uk/