Cookie Policy
Last updated: March 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how GTS Reading Ltd (“GTS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at gts-reading.co.uk. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal data.
By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can change your cookie preferences at any time using the cookie settings on our website or through your browser settings.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners useful information about how their site is being used.
Cookies may be “session” cookies (which are deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent” cookies (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core features such as page navigation, secure areas, and form submissions. The website cannot function without these cookies, and they cannot be switched off.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| wordpresssec | GTS Reading | WordPress session authentication | Session |
| wordpress_loggedin | GTS Reading | Identifies logged-in users | Session |
| wp_lang | GTS Reading | Stores language preference | Session |
| cookieyes-consent | GTS Reading | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| ak_bmsc | Akismet | Protects forms from spam submissions | Session |
3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve the way our website works.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users and tracks site usage | 2 years |
| ga* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state across pages | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users for daily reporting | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate to limit data collection | 1 minute |
3.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences or choices you have made on previous visits.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| wordpress_test_cookie | GTS Reading | Tests whether your browser accepts cookies | Session |
| wp-settings-* | GTS Reading | Stores user interface personalisation | 1 year |
3.4 Marketing & Advertising Cookies
We may use these cookies to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Tracks ad conversions from Google Ads campaigns | 90 days |
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Tracks visitors for Facebook advertising | 90 days |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies. The main third-party services we use include:
- Google Analytics — to understand how visitors use our website. Google’s privacy policy can be found at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
- Google Ads — to measure the performance of our advertising. You can opt out of personalised advertising at https://adssettings.google.com.
- Meta (Facebook) — to measure the performance of our social media advertising. You can manage your Facebook ad preferences at https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences.
- Akismet — to protect our contact and quote forms from spam.
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 Cookie Consent Tool
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner that allows you to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings link in the footer of our website.
5.2 Browser Settings
You can also control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Instructions for common browsers:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website. For example, if you block strictly necessary cookies, our quote forms may not work properly.
5.3 Opt Out of Analytics
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the latest information on our cookie practices.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
GTS Reading Ltd
Padworth Sawmills, Rag Hill, Reading RG7 4NU
Email: office@gts-reading.co.uk
Phone: 0118 466 0778
This Cookie Policy was last updated in March 2026.