Cookies: what we store, and what we don't
Ask Sterling sets no cookies when you arrive. The only thing we store on your device by default is one entry recording your cookie choice, so we don't ask you again on every page. Nothing that tracks you, measures you or advertises to you runs unless you accept it, and at present we have nothing of that kind switched on.
The law in one paragraph
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) say that, subject to the exceptions in Schedule A1, a person must not store information, or gain access to information stored, on a user's device. Schedule A1 exempts storage that is strictly necessary for a service you've asked for, which includes keeping a record of selections you made on a website. Anything outside the exceptions needs your consent first. We apply that rule to cookies and to local storage alike.
What we store by default
| Name | Type | What it does | How long | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie choice | Browser local storage (not a cookie) | Records whether you accepted or declined optional cookies | Until you clear it or change your choice | Strictly necessary: it records your selection |
That's it. No cookies are set by default. The calculators run in your browser and don't store your figures on your device or send them to us.
Our host keeps server logs of page requests for security. Those are held on the server, not stored on your device, and are covered in our privacy notice.
What would only run if you accept
We don't currently run any analytics or advertising tags. If we add them in future, for example a tool to count visits or an advertising pixel such as Meta's, they are off by default and only load after you click accept. Before adding any, we'll list each one here with its provider, purpose and how long it lasts, and update the privacy notice.
If you decline, or close the banner without choosing, nothing optional loads. The site works fully either way: every page and calculator is available without accepting anything.
Changing your mind
Use the "Cookie settings" link in the footer of any page to change your choice at any time. If you withdraw consent, optional tags stop loading from the next page you view. You can also clear this site's data in your browser settings, which removes the stored choice; we'll ask again on your next visit.
The enquiry form
Our enquiry form runs on a separate site (our funnel at leads.optimax-ai.com). It has its own cookie notice, and the same rule applies there: nothing optional without your consent.
Questions
Email mike@optimax-ai.com if anything here is unclear.