privacy policy

At Annie’s Harmony, I take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use my services or interact with my website in accordance with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (UK).

1. Who I Am

Owner: Aniela (Annie) Bochen

Trading as: Annie’s Harmony

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Email: annies-harmony@outlook.com

I am the data controller for all personal information collected through my website (https://annies-harmony.com) and services.

2. Personal Information I Collect

I may collect the following types of information:

Contact details: name, email address, phone number, and any other details required for service delivery.
Business Information: details of your business required for administrative tasks (if any).
Service-Related Data: information relevant to the tasks or services to be provided (e.g., documents or templates).
Cookies: small files used to improve website performance and analytics.
Payment information: processed securely via PayPal or Bank Transfer including statements and references for tax purposes and personal accounts. I do not store card details.

3. How I Collect Your Data

When you contact me through my website, email, or social media.
When you contact me via WhatsApp or Text Messages.
When you browse my website (via cookies and analytics tools).
When you contact me via Telephone Call and/or voicemail that require handwritten notes. Your call will be followed up with an email for record keeping purposes.

4. Why I Use Your Data

Contract: to provide the services you request. As a freelancer, I use an ‘Acknowledgement of Instruction Form’ or a ‘Client Intake Form’ depending on nature of services required.
Consent: your consent and confirmation of the services and cost agreed.
Marketing: when you opt into newsletters or marketing resources such as emails.
Legitimate interests: to improve my website and services.
Legal obligations: for accounting, tax, or regulatory requirements.

5. How I Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the purposes of:

Delivering the services you request.
Communicating with you regarding your tasks and queries.
Conducting a conflict search and checks to ensure there are no conflicts of interest before accepting any work.
Maintaining records for billing and accounting purposes.
To improve website performance and user experience.
To send updates, offers and any other marketing (only if you have opted in).

6. Information Sharing

I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your data may be shared only in the following circumstances:

Legal Requirements: to comply with legal obligations or protect my rights.
Service Fulfilment: sharing information with trusted third-party tools necessary to complete your tasks (e.g., OneDrive or any other online cloud storage).
Payment details may be used to process refunds or resolve billing discrepancies.
Website hosting and analytics providers.
Marketing platforms (only if you subscribe).

These providers must comply with UK GDPR and cannot use your data for their own purposes.

7. International Transfers

Some third‑party providers may store or process personal data outside the UK. When this happens, I ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent protections).
For freelance and worldwide payments, I may use third‑party payment processors such as Paxum or PayPal when a direct bank transfer is not possible. These providers may process data internationally in accordance with their own compliance frameworks.
At Annie’s Harmony, a direct bank transfer (national or international) is preferred wherever possible and will be agreed upon during the onboarding or payment‑arrangement process.

8. Data Retention

I retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations. Usual timelines:

Email enquiries: up to 12 months.
Client records: up to 6 years (legal requirements).
Marketing data: until you unsubscribe.

9. Data Security

I implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. This includes secure digital storage, access controls, encryption, and regular backups. While I take reasonable steps to safeguard your information, no system is entirely risk‑free, and absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

In the event of a technical failure, I will use secure backup systems to ensure continuity of service and access to client data.

10. Your Rights Under GDPR (UK)

You have the right to:

Access, correct inaccurate data, and request deletion of your personal data.
Withdraw consent for data processing.
Restrict or object to processing.
Request data portability.
Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, email at annies-harmony@outlook.com.

11.Cookies and Website Tracking

My website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve functionality and user experience. You can control your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

12. Third-Party Links

My website or emails may contain links to third-party websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

13. Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints in relation to the services you have received, please contact me first at annies-harmony@outlook.com.

If you believe your personal data has been mishandled in any way, please refer to separate Data Complaints Notice for more information on how to lodge a complaint. This can be found on my website (https://annies-harmony.com).

If you are not satisfied with the above steps, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on my website (https://annies-harmony.com) and existing clients will be informed of any significant changes.