PRIVACY

Privacy Policy
UK GDPR Compliant

Introduction
We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website, contact us, or subscribe to any of our services.

Who We Are
The USV Group operates from the UK, providing access to uncrewed surface vessel (USV) equipment, people, expertise, and educational content to a global audience.

What We Collect

• Information you provide: via forms (contact, sign-up, project inquiries)

• Automated data: like IP addresses, browser types, and how you use our site (via cookies)

• Third-party tools: analytics, email marketing (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Mailchimp, Squarespace analytics)

Why We Collect Your Data

• To respond to your messages or requests

• To improve our website and user experience

• To send you updates if you’ve subscribed

• To fulfil contracts and comply with legal obligations

Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR Article 6)

• Your consent (e.g. newsletter opt-ins, cookie choices)

• Contractual necessity (e.g. you ask us for a quote or service)

• Legitimate interests (e.g. improving our website, internal reporting)

• Legal obligation (if we’re required by law to keep certain records)

Your Rights
You have rights over your personal data, including:

• Access – ask what data we hold about you

• Correction – update your info

• Erasure – ask us to delete your data

• Objection – to marketing or profiling

• Withdraw consent – anytime, easily

To exercise your rights, email: [email here]

How We Protect Your Data

• Encryption (SSL)

• Secure cloud hosting (Squarespace, GDPR-compliant providers)

• Access limited to relevant team members

• Regular review of our systems and partners

Sharing Data
We do not sell your data. We only share it:

• With service providers we use (e.g. website hosting, email marketing) under GDPR-compliant terms

• If required by law

Data Retention
We only keep your information as long as necessary:

• Contact details: until we’ve replied or fulfilled your request

• Newsletter opt-ins: until you unsubscribe

• Legal data: for as long as regulations require

Updates
We may update this policy. If changes are significant, we’ll notify you on the site before they take effect.

Contact Us
Any questions about your privacy?
Email: info@theusvgroup.com
Data Controller: The USV Group

Cookie Policy
Clear and Compliant

What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our site. Some are essential to make the site work, while others help us improve your experience.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential: enable core functions like security and form submissions

• Analytics: understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g. Squarespace, Google Analytics)

• Marketing: help us manage newsletter opt-ins or social media integration

Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can:

• Accept or reject non-essential cookies via our cookie banner

• Change your browser settings to block cookies

Third Parties
We may use tools like:

• Google Analytics

• Microsoft

• Mailchimp

• Squarespace marketing tools

All third-party providers are GDPR-compliant.

Questions?
Contact us at: info@theusvgroup.com

Terms of Use
Website Use and Liability

1. Who We Are
This website is operated by The USV Group. By using our site, you accept these terms.

2. Content
We aim to keep the content accurate and up to date, but we can't guarantee it's always perfect. Use the information at your own risk.

3. Intellectual Property
All content is protected by copyright unless stated otherwise. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use it commercially without permission.

4. Links to Other Sites
We may link to third-party websites. We're not responsible for their content or how they handle your data.

5. Limitation of Liability
We’re not liable for any loss or damage that may arise from using our website or the content on it.

6. Changes
We may update these terms from time to time. By continuing to use the site, you accept the changes.