How we look after your data

The short version: the only personal data we hold is what you type into our enquiry form or send us directly. We use it only to assess your idea, quote for the work and deliver your software. We use no tracking cookies, no analytics and no advertising tools, and we never share your strategy or files with anyone else.

1. Who we are

The Trading Works is a software development company that builds custom Expert Advisors and indicators for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, we are the data controller of the personal data you give us.

We are a sole trader business — not a limited company — trading as The Trading Works. Our business address is PO Box 7169, Poole, BH15 9EL, United Kingdom. If VAT registration applies to us we will publish our VAT number here. You can contact us about anything in this policy at hello@thetradingworks.com.

2. What personal data we collect

We only collect the information you choose to send us through our enquiry form or by contacting us directly:

Your name and email address; the details of your project idea, including any trading rules you describe; and any files you choose to attach (such as notes, screenshots, spreadsheets or source code).

We do not collect payment card details on this website, we do not run analytics or advertising trackers, and we do not use tracking cookies.

3. How we use your data and our lawful basis

We use your data to assess whether your idea can be built, to prepare and send you a quote, to communicate with you about your project, and to deliver and support the software you order.

Our lawful basis is contract (Article 6(1)(b) UK GDPR) — processing needed to provide a quote and carry out the work you ask for — and legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f)) — keeping basic records of enquiries so we can run our business and respond to you.

If we ask for your consent for anything optional, you can withdraw it at any time by emailing us.

4. Cookies

This website does not set marketing, analytics or tracking cookies. Only storage strictly necessary for the website to function may be used, which does not require consent under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

5. Who we share your data with

Your enquiry and attachments are stored securely on our cloud hosting provider's servers, which act as our data processor under a data processing agreement. We do not sell your data, and we never share your project idea, strategy or files with other clients or third parties for their own use.

We may disclose information if required by law, regulation or a court order.

6. International transfers

Our hosting provider may store or process data outside the UK. Where this happens, transfers are protected by UK adequacy regulations or appropriate safeguards such as the International Data Transfer Agreement or Standard Contractual Clauses.

7. How long we keep your data

If your enquiry does not lead to an order, we keep it for up to 12 months so we can pick up the conversation if you return, then delete it. If you become a customer, we keep project records and invoices for up to 7 years to meet tax and accounting obligations.

You can ask us to delete your enquiry at any time (see Your rights below).

8. How we protect your data

Enquiries and attachments are stored in private, access-controlled storage. They are not publicly visible, and access is limited to the people working on your project. We treat every brief as confidential and are happy to sign an NDA before you share detail.

9. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to: access a copy of your personal data; have inaccurate data corrected; have your data deleted; restrict or object to processing; data portability; and withdraw consent where we rely on it.

To exercise any of these rights, email hello@thetradingworks.com. We will respond within one month.

10. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, please contact us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be on this page, and significant changes will be flagged on the website.