Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

BuildSpot ("we", "us", or "our") is a free web-based tool that helps tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts locate trade suppliers across the United Kingdom. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected when you use BuildSpot and how it is handled.

BuildSpot is operated from the United Kingdom. By using the service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Location Data

To show nearby suppliers, BuildSpot may request access to your device's location (GPS/geolocation). This is done entirely through your web browser's built-in Geolocation API. You will be prompted for permission before any location data is accessed. You can deny or revoke this permission at any time through your browser or device settings.

Alternatively, you may enter a UK postcode manually. The postcode you enter is sent to the postcodes.io API to obtain geographic coordinates. We do not store postcodes or coordinates on any server.

1.2 Search Queries

When you search for suppliers, your search terms and location are sent to Google Maps and Google Places APIs to retrieve relevant results. These queries are processed by Google and are subject to Google's privacy practices. We do not log or store your search queries on any server.

1.3 Favourites and Preferences

BuildSpot allows you to save favourite suppliers for quick access. This data is stored locally on your device using your browser's localStorage feature. It is never transmitted to our servers or any third party. If you clear your browser data, your saved favourites will be removed.

1.4 PWA Dismiss State

If you dismiss the "Install App" prompt, BuildSpot records this preference in localStorage so the prompt is not shown again. This data remains entirely on your device.

2. Information We Do Not Collect

We do not require user accounts, registration, or login.
We do not collect names, email addresses, phone numbers, or any other personal identifying information.
We do not store any user data on our servers.
We do not currently use any analytics, tracking, or advertising tools.
We do not set any first-party cookies.

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 Google Maps and Google Places API

BuildSpot uses the Google Maps JavaScript API and Google Places API to display maps and retrieve supplier information (names, addresses, ratings, opening hours, photos, and contact details). When you use BuildSpot, your browser communicates directly with Google's servers.

Google may collect certain data in accordance with its own privacy policy, including cookies for map functionality. We recommend reviewing Google's Privacy Policy and Google Maps Platform Terms of Service for details.

Data displayed about suppliers (such as business names, addresses, ratings, reviews, and photographs) is sourced from Google Places and is subject to Google's terms. We do not independently verify this information.

3.2 postcodes.io

When you enter a postcode, BuildSpot uses the postcodes.io API (a free, open-source UK postcode lookup service) to convert the postcode into geographic coordinates. The postcode you enter is sent to postcodes.io's servers for this purpose. postcodes.io is maintained by Ideal Postcodes and does not require authentication for basic lookups. Please refer to their privacy practices for further information.

3.3 Google Fonts

BuildSpot loads fonts (Barlow, Barlow Condensed, and DM Mono) from Google Fonts. When the page loads, your browser makes requests to Google's font servers. Google may log these requests in accordance with its privacy policy.

4. Cookies

BuildSpot does not set any first-party cookies. However, the Google Maps JavaScript API may set cookies in your browser as part of its normal operation. These cookies are governed by Google's privacy policy and cookie practices. You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

5. Data Storage and Security

All user preferences (favourites, dismiss states) are stored exclusively in your browser's localStorage. This data:

Remains on your device only and is never transmitted to us.
Can be cleared at any time by clearing your browser's site data for BuildSpot.
Is not accessible to other websites.
Is not encrypted, as it contains no sensitive personal information.

6. Children's Privacy

BuildSpot is a general-purpose tool and is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Since we do not collect personal data from any user, no special provisions for children's data are necessary.

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

As BuildSpot does not collect, store, or process personal data on any server, many of the rights afforded under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 are addressed by design. Specifically:

Right of access: We hold no personal data about you on our servers. Any data stored in your browser's localStorage is already fully within your control.
Right to erasure: You may delete all locally stored data at any time by clearing your browser data or removing site data for BuildSpot.
Right to data portability: As no personal data is held on our servers, there is no data to transfer.
Right to object: You may stop using the service or revoke location permissions at any time.
Right to restrict processing: You may deny location permissions or avoid using features that communicate with third-party services.

For any data processed by Google through their Maps and Places APIs, you should exercise your rights directly with Google. Please see Google's Privacy Policy for details on how to do so.

8. Legal Basis for Processing

Where BuildSpot does process data (such as sending your location to Google's APIs to display nearby results), the legal basis is your explicit consent. You are asked for permission before location data is accessed, and you may withdraw that consent at any time by revoking location permissions in your browser.

9. International Data Transfers

BuildSpot itself does not transfer data internationally. However, Google Maps, Google Places, and Google Fonts are operated by Google LLC, which is based in the United States. Data sent to these services may be processed outside the United Kingdom. Google maintains appropriate safeguards for international data transfers as described in their privacy documentation.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of BuildSpot after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how BuildSpot handles data, please contact us:

Email: support@buildspot.co.uk

Service: BuildSpot — UK Trade Supplier Locator

Location: United Kingdom