Section 1
About this policy
This Cookie Policy applies to the public website at https://step-1.co.uk and the secure STEP 1 portal reached through the Login link on the website.
STEP 1 is operated by Step 1 Tenant Referencing Ltd. We review the technologies used by the website and update this policy when those technologies or their purposes change.
Section 2
What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small files stored on a computer, phone or other device when a website is used. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, scripts and identifiers that store or access information on a device.
Some technologies are essential for security, forms, authentication and requested services. Others are optional and may require a clear choice before they are activated.
Section 3
What STEP 1 currently uses
Essential website and portal technology
Essential session or security technology may be used when a visitor submits a protected form, accesses the secure portal, signs in, or uses functionality that requires a secure session. This supports account security, form protection, authentication and service delivery.
These technologies are not used for advertising. Blocking them may prevent forms, portal login or protected services from working correctly.
Consent-controlled Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is available only after a visitor allows statistics cookies through the consent banner. Until consent is given, analytics tracking remains disabled. When enabled, it helps STEP 1 understand how the website is used and improve its pages and services.
Google may receive technical information such as the visitor’s IP address, browser, device details and page interactions. Analytics data is not used by STEP 1 for advertising or cross-site behavioural profiling.
Optional Google Maps content
The footer contains an optional Google Map. It is not connected to Google when the page first loads. The connection is made only after a visitor deliberately selects “Load Google Map”.
Loading the map allows Google to receive technical information such as the visitor’s IP address, browser and device details. Google may also store or access cookies and similar technologies according to the visitor’s Google and browser settings.
The map choice applies to the current page view only. STEP 1 does not store a cookie to remember that choice, so the map must be loaded again after a page refresh or on another page.
Section 4
Technology currently used
| Technology/category | Provider | Purpose | Typical duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website security and form protection | STEP 1 and its website software | Protect forms, prevent abuse and deliver requested website functions. | Session or short-lived, depending on the function used. | Essential where required. |
| Portal session and authentication technology | STEP 1 secure portal | Protect client accounts, authenticate users and maintain secure portal sessions. | Normally for the session or a limited security period. | Essential when using the portal. |
| Google Analytics 4 cookies and similar technologies | Measure website use and performance after the visitor allows statistics cookies. | Controlled by Google and varies according to consent, Google and browser settings. | Optional; disabled until statistics consent is given. | |
| Google Maps cookies and similar technologies | Display the interactive office-location map after the visitor requests it. | Controlled by Google and varies according to Google and browser settings. | Optional; activated only by selecting “Load Google Map”. |
Further information is available in Google’s cookie information and Google’s Privacy Policy.
Section 5
What the public website does not currently use
Our public website does not use advertising cookies or cross-site behavioural profiling. Google Analytics 4 is available only after a visitor allows statistics cookies through the consent banner. Until consent is given, analytics tracking remains disabled.
In particular, the public website does not currently use:
- Meta/Facebook Pixel
- Advertising cookies
- YouTube embeds
- Social-media tracking widgets
- Cross-site behavioural profiling
If we introduce advertising or other non-essential technology, we will update this policy and provide an appropriate consent control before that technology is enabled.
Section 6
How to control cookies
You can control technology used on this site by:
- allowing or declining statistics cookies through the consent banner;
- not selecting the “Load Google Map” button;
- using the cookie and privacy settings in your browser;
- deleting cookies or stored website data from your device; and
- blocking third-party cookies through your browser settings.
Blocking essential session or security technology may prevent secure portal access, form submission or other requested functionality from working.
For further information about how we handle personal information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Section 7
Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when the website, secure portal, third-party services or relevant legal requirements change. The latest version will remain available on this page and the update date at the top will be revised.
Section 8
Contact us
If you have a question about this Cookie Policy or the technologies used by STEP 1, contact Step 1 Tenant Referencing Ltd:
Email: info@step-1.co.uk Phone: 01733 404700 Correspondence address: 6 Blenheim Court, Peterborough, PE1 2DU