Last updated: 6th November 2025

This Cookie & Local Storage Policy explains how Payment Assist Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (www.payment-assist.co.uk) and in our services. It explains what cookies are, why we use them, the types of cookies we use, how you can control them, and who you can contact with questions.

Key points (short)

We only use strictly necessary cookies and similar technologies without consent where needed to provide services (e.g., login, payments) and other required functionality. All other non-necessary cookies (analytics, performance, advertising, tracking) are placed only with your informed, freely-given consent. You can change or withdraw consent at any time using our cookie preferences tool, via your browser settings, or by contacting us.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file placed on your device (computer, phone, tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies and similar technologies (such as local storage and device identifiers) can store information such as your preferences or device identifiers and may be used to recognise you on return visits.

Legal basis and regulation

The use of cookies in the UK is governed by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) together with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Under these rules, cookies that are not strictly necessary for the operation of the site require clear information and the user’s consent before they are placed. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.
Note: the ICO has recently updated and clarified its guidance on cookies and storage/access technologies; we follow the ICO’s guidance and will update this policy if regulatory guidance changes.

How we use cookies (overview)

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

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• Strictly necessary cookies — required for our website and services to function (e.g., session management, login, security, payment processing). These do not require consent.
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• Performance and analytics cookies — help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it (e.g., visitor counts, page load times). These are used only with your consent.
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• Functionality cookies — remember choices you make (e.g., language, region) to provide enhanced, personalised features. These are used only with your consent.
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• Targeting / advertising cookies — used to deliver relevant ads and to measure ad performance across websites. These are used only with your consent and often involve third-party providers.

We also use certain technical cookies necessary for payment flows and integrations with third-party services (for example, payment processors and credit reference agencies) to enable transactions and credit checks through our platform. Where those third parties use cookies for analytics or marketing, we obtain consent where required.

We additionally use localStorage and sessionStorage for essential functions such as remembering whether users have already seen certain notifications or modals; these are strictly necessary for our site’s operation and do not track users.

(See “Third-party cookies” below.)
(Each category is described in more detail in the next section.)

Detailed list of cookies we commonly use

The exact cookies in use may change over time. Below are examples of cookies you may encounter on our site:

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• Strictly necessary
  Session cookies used to keep you logged in and to secure the site.
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• Analytics / Performance
  Google Analytics (or equivalent) cookies used to measure visits and site performance (e.g., _ga, _gid). Used only 
• after consent.
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• Functionality
  Preference cookies that remember language or cookie settings.
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• Advertising / Targeting
  Third-party advertising cookies used to deliver personalised ads (e.g., remarketing identifiers).

If you would like the exact, current list of cookies in use on our site on a given date, please open our cookie preferences tool (accessible from the footer of every page) or contact us (details below). We keep the table of active cookies up to date there.

Third-party cookies

Some cookies are set by third parties whose services we use (for example, analytics providers, payment processors, credit reference agencies, and advertising networks). These third parties may collect information about your online activities on our site and other sites. We do not have full control over third-party cookies, so we recommend you check their privacy policies for more information about how they use your data.

How we obtain and record consent

When you first visit our website we display a cookie banner that:

• Explains the categories of cookies we use;
• Gives you the option to accept or reject non-necessary cookies; and
• Provides a link to this Cookie Policy and to our cookie preferences tool so you can make granular choices.

We will not set non-necessary cookies until you have given consent. You can change or withdraw consent at any time using the cookie preferences tool or via your browser settings. Consent is recorded so we can respect your choices.

How to control cookies

You can control cookies using a combination of tools:

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• Cookie preferences tool on our website — use this to change which categories of cookies you allow.
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• Browser settings — you can block or delete cookies using your browser (see your browser’s help pages). Deleting or blocking cookies may affect the functioning of parts of our site.

If you need help changing cookie settings or want us to remove non-essential cookies associated with your account, contact us (details below) and we will assist.

Data retention

We retain cookie data in line with the purpose for which it was collected and in accordance with our data retention policy. Strictly necessary cookies are generally session-based; analytics cookies are typically retained for a limited period (for example, 2 years) unless you ask us to delete them. For specific retention periods of particular cookies, consult our cookie preferences tool or contact us.

Children

Our services are not directed at children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take steps to remove that information and any associated cookies as appropriate.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time (for example, to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or the cookies we use). We will show the policy’s last updated date at the top and, where required by law or where changes are material, we will seek fresh consent for non-necessary cookies.

Contact and complaints

If you have questions about our use of cookies, would like the current list of cookies we use, or want to withdraw consent, please contact:

Data Protection Officer
Ametros Group Ltd
Lakeside Offices, Thron Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR2 6JT
Email: dpo@ametrosgroup.com
(If you prefer, you may also use our website contact form.)

If you remain unhappy after contacting us, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) — the UK supervisory authority for data protection.

Where to find more information

• ICO guidance on cookies and similar technologies (for organisations).
• ICO public page explaining cookies and how to manage them.
• ICO detailed guidance on storage and access technologies (full guidance PDF).