Compare Data Group Ltd is the controller for Compare Builders. This notice explains how Compare Builders uses cookies and similar technologies, and how you can control them. It sits alongside our Privacy notice.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small files placed on your device when you visit a website. Similar technologies, such as pixels and local storage, work in a comparable way. We use them to make the site work, to remember your choices, to understand how the site is used, and, if you agree, to support marketing.
2. The cookies we use
We group our cookies into four categories. The table shows which ones need your consent and which do not.
| Category | What it does | Do we need your consent? |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Make the site work, such as signing in, security and balancing traffic | No. The site cannot run without them. |
| Functional | Remember your settings and preferences so the site looks and works the way you expect | No, under current UK rules, where used only for this purpose |
| Analytics | Help us understand how the site is used, in aggregate, so we can improve it | No, under current UK rules, where used only to produce aggregate statistics |
| Advertising and marketing | Measure and support marketing, and may be set by third parties | Yes. These stay off until you accept them. |
3. Managing your cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings, which let you block or delete them — although blocking some cookies may affect how the site works. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be switched off, because the site cannot run without them. If you have any question about the cookies we use, contact us at privacy@comparedatagroup.com.
4. Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by our service providers — for example Google for analytics, or Meta and Google for marketing. These third-party cookies are only used where the law allows or where you have accepted them, and the provider sets how long they last. The categories and the cookies we set are listed in section 5.
5. How long cookies last
Some cookies last only for your visit and are deleted when you close your browser. Others stay on your device for a set period so we can remember you next time. The cookies we set last up to 30 days — the table below shows each one. Third-party analytics and marketing cookies are set by the provider and only apply if you accept them.
| Cookie | Category | Purpose | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| cb_homeowner_session | Strictly necessary | Keeps you signed in to your homeowner account | 30 days |
| cb_builder_app_id | Strictly necessary | Saves your builder application progress so you can resume | 21 days |
| cb_project_id | Strictly necessary | Saves your enquiry progress so you can resume | 14 days |
| cb_builder_session | Strictly necessary | Keeps you signed in to the builder dashboard | 14 days |
| cb_trade_session | Strictly necessary | Keeps you signed in to your Pro account | 14 days |
| cb_admin_session | Strictly necessary | Staff sign-in to the admin console | 12 hours |
| Google Analytics (e.g. _ga) | Analytics | Aggregate, anonymised usage statistics | Set by Google; only if you accept analytics cookies |
| Meta / Google Ads | Advertising and marketing | Measure and support marketing | Set by the provider; only if you accept marketing cookies |
6. Changes and contact
We may update this notice as our cookies change. The date at the top shows when it was last updated. For any questions, contact us at privacy@comparedatagroup.com.