What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.
Cookies don't contain personal information in a human-readable format. They typically include an identifier, the site name, and some numbers and letters.
How We Use Cookies
Serene Ventures uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, understand how visitors use our site, and improve our services. We use both session cookies that expire when you close your browser and persistent cookies that remain on your device for a set period.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.
Essential cookies we use:
- cookie_consent - Stores your cookie preference choices (expires after 1 year)
- session_id - Maintains your browsing session (expires when browser closes)
You cannot opt out of essential cookies as they're required for the site to work correctly.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve how our site works.
Analytics cookies we use:
- analytics_visitor - Distinguishes unique visitors (expires after 2 years)
- analytics_session - Tracks pages viewed in a single session (expires after 30 minutes)
- analytics_pageviews - Counts page views (expires after 1 day)
These cookies don't collect information that personally identifies you. All information is aggregated and anonymous.
Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced features.
Functionality cookies we use:
- font_size - Remembers text size preference (expires after 6 months)
- contrast_mode - Stores high contrast preference if enabled (expires after 6 months)
If you delete these cookies, some features may not work as intended.
Third-Party Cookies
We don't currently use third-party cookies from external services such as Google Analytics, social media platforms, or advertising networks. All cookies are set directly by our website.
If we introduce third-party services in future, we'll update this policy and seek your consent where required.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Via Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner allowing you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences. Your choice is stored for one year.
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the cookie preferences link in our website footer.
Via Your Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to refuse or accept cookies through their settings. Here's how to manage cookies in common browsers:
Google Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data → Choose your preferred option
Mozilla Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Manage preferences
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage website data and cookie settings
Microsoft Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data → Manage and delete cookies
Note that blocking all cookies may affect website functionality. Essential cookies are necessary for the site to work properly.
Mobile Devices
For mobile browsers, cookie management options are usually found in the browser's settings menu. Consult your device manufacturer's documentation for specific instructions.
Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies:
- Essential site functions will still work as these cookies cannot be disabled
- We won't be able to remember your cookie preferences (you'll see the banner each visit)
- We won't collect analytics data about your visit
- Accessibility preferences won't be saved between visits
Cookie Lifespan
Different cookies remain on your device for different periods:
- Session cookies expire when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies remain for a specified time (ranging from 30 minutes to 2 years)
- You can delete cookies manually at any time through browser settings
Updates to Cookie Usage
We may update our cookie usage from time to time. When we make significant changes, we'll update this policy and the revision date at the top of the page.
If we introduce cookies that require consent, we'll seek your permission through our cookie banner before setting them.
More Information About Cookies
For more information about cookies and how they work, visit:
- allaboutcookies.org
- ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/online/cookies
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Post: Data Protection Officer, Serene Ventures, 42 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BS