This page explains in more detail how and why we use cookies. The up-to-date list of cookies on this site is in our Cookie Policy. If anything on this page differs from the Cookie Policy, the Cookie Policy applies.
Last updated: 7th July 2026
This page explains how Surge Ahead Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on www.surgeahead.co.uk (the “Website”) and in connection with our online training programmes sold via ecommerce. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and our Website Terms and Conditions.
Note: in our cookie settings panel and Cookie Policy overview, strictly necessary cookies are labelled ‘Functional’ or ‘Purely functional’. References to ‘functional cookies’ in this document mean optional preference cookies, which we only set with your consent.
This Cookie Policy is intended to comply with applicable UK data protection and cookie laws and related regulatory guidance, including the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), as they apply to our use of cookies and similar technologies.
1. What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text file placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies help websites function, improve performance, remember preferences, and provide information to website owners and (where used) third parties such as analytics and advertising providers.
2. Our legal basis for using cookies
By law (PECR), we must:
- Provide clear and comprehensive information about cookies; and
- Obtain your consent before placing or reading cookies unless a cookie is strictly necessary for a service you requested or for the basic operation of the Website.
Under UK GDPR, where cookies involve personal data (e.g., online identifiers), we must also have a valid legal basis for any related processing and comply with transparency and other obligations – for more information about how we process personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.
Strictly necessary cookies (no consent required)
We use strictly necessary cookies to:
- Enable core site functionality (page navigation, security);
- Process ecommerce transactions (basket, checkout, payment security features);
- Provide account access and session management;
- Remember privacy choices (such as cookie preferences) so we can respect them.
These cookies are active when you first visit our site and are used on the basis that they are strictly necessary for providing a service you request and/or for the legitimate operation and security of the Website.
Optional cookies (consent required)
We will ask for your prior consent before using any cookies that are not strictly necessary, such as:
- Analytics / performance cookies (to measure and improve usage);
- Functional cookies (enhanced preferences not essential to the service);
- Advertising / targeting cookies (where used, to deliver and measure ads);
- Social media / embedded content cookies (where such features are used).
Where required, we only activate these cookies after you have provided consent via our cookie banner or settings tool
3. Types of cookies we use
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies: deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a defined period or until deleted.
- First-party cookies: set by our Website.
- Third-party cookies: set by another organisation (e.g., analytics or payment providers).
We use the following categories
(a) Strictly necessary cookies
Purpose:
- Maintain secure sessions for logged-in users;
- Enable shopping cart and checkout processes;
- Protect against fraud and abuse;
- Balance traffic and maintain site stability;
- Store your cookie preferences.
You cannot disable strictly necessary cookies via our cookie controls, because the Website may not function properly without them. You can block them via your browser settings, but doing so may prevent you from using the Website or completing purchases.
(b) Analytics / performance cookies (optional)
Purpose:
- Understand how visitors use the Website (e.g., pages visited, time on site);
- Identify errors and improve performance;
- Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns (at an aggregated level, where possible).
We use these only with your consent.
(c) Functional cookies (optional)
Purpose:
- Remember non-essential preferences (e.g., interface settings);
- Enable enhanced features you choose to use.
We use these only with your consent.
(d) Advertising / targeting cookies (optional, if used)
Purpose:
- Help show relevant adverts and measure their effectiveness;
- Limit how often you see an ad;
- Understand your interests based on browsing behaviour.
These cookies may be set by us and/or third-party advertising partners. If used, we will activate them only with your consent.
(e) Third-party / embedded content cookies (optional, if used)
If we embed content (e.g., video players, webinar tools, live chat, maps), those providers may set cookies or use similar technologies. We will enable such cookies where required only with your consent, though some embedded content may not function unless you enable the relevant category.
4. Cookie list (name, provider, purpose, duration)
We maintain a current Cookie List in our cookie settings panel, which shows (where applicable):
- Cookie name/identifier;
- Provider (us or third party);
- Category (strictly necessary, analytics, functional, advertising, etc.);
- Purpose;
- Duration/expiry.
How to view it: via the Manage Consent tab shown on every page, or on our Cookie Policy page.
If you require a copy in an alternative format, contact us using the details in section 10.
5. Consent management and how to change your cookie choices
(a) Giving or refusing consent
When you first visit the Website (and periodically thereafter), we present a cookie banner that allows you to:
- Accept all optional cookies;
- Reject optional cookies; and/or
- Customise/manage your choices by category.
We do not set optional cookies unless and until you choose to enable them.
(b) Withdrawing consent
You can withdraw consent at any time by:
- Opening Cookie Settings: via the Manage Consent tab shown on every page, or on our Cookie Policy page.
- Clearing cookies via your browser settings.
Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of cookies used before you withdrew consent.
(c) Refreshing consent
We may ask you to review your choices from time to time, including where:
- We introduce new cookies or change purposes;
- There are material changes to our Website, services, or vendors; or
- The law or regulatory guidance requires renewed consent.
6. Personal data collected via cookies
Cookies may collect information that can be personal data (for example, IP address, device ID, user IDs, online identifiers, and browsing behaviour), particularly when combined with other information.
Where personal data is processed:
We will handle it in accordance with our Privacy Policy (see Website);
We will ensure an appropriate legal basis applies under UK GDPR (commonly consent for optional cookies);
We will apply appropriate safeguards, retention and security measures.
7. International transfers (if applicable)
Some of our third-party cookie providers may process data outside the UK. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with our Privacy Policy – further information is available on request, please contact us using the information in section 10.
8. Payment providers and ecommerce checkout
When you purchase our online programmes, your payment may be processed by third-party payment providers. These providers may use strictly necessary cookies or similar technologies for:
- Payment security and fraud prevention;
- Transaction processing;
- Authentication.
We do not control third-party cookies that are strictly necessary to deliver payment processing you request, but we require suppliers to meet appropriate security and data protection obligations.
9. Regulatory changes and updates
UK cookie and data protection rules can evolve over time. If laws, regulations, or relevant guidance change in a way that affects how we use cookies or similar technologies, we will:
- Keep our cookie categorisation and consent approach under review;
- Update this policy and our cookie settings where needed to reflect changes in applicable law, regulatory guidance (including from the ICO), and industry standards; and
- Provide updated information through this policy and/or our cookie banner when changes are material.
10. Contact us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, contact:
Surge Ahead Ltd
Address: 29 Cavell Court, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0HH
Email: lucy@surgeahead.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 7713 069050
Company details:
Company Registration Number: 10229055. VAT Number: 372470887
Our Data Protection Officer:
Lucy Warman, Email: lucy@surgeahead.co.uk, Telephone: +44 (0) 7713 069050
11. Complaints
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk/
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
We would appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns first – please contact us using the details in section 10.