Cookies Policy

Last updated: 19 September 2026

Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how showtrailvo uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. We are a United Kingdom based provider of specialised courses in live production decks and control rooms, covering multi-camera switching, live broadcasting techniques, real-time video operation and professional management of television and streaming productions. The policy is written in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. It provides clear information so that visitors can understand what information is collected, why it is collected and how they can manage their preferences.

What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store information such as your preferences, login status or details about your browsing behaviour. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage objects that perform comparable functions. These tools allow websites to recognise returning visitors, remember choices and gather statistical data. On our site they help maintain the functionality required for users exploring course information about live production techniques without unnecessary repetition of data entry.

Why the Site Uses Cookies

We use cookies to ensure the website operates correctly, to remember user selections, to measure performance and to improve the overall experience for people interested in our specialised training. Without these technologies certain features would not function, such as maintaining selections during a course enquiry process. Analytics cookies help us understand which pages about multi-camera switching or streaming production management receive the most attention so we can refine content accordingly. Advertising cookies, where used, support targeted promotion of our commercial courses within the United Kingdom.

Categories of Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies enable core functions such as page navigation and access to secure areas. Functional cookies remember preferences like language or region. Analytics or performance cookies collect anonymous information about how visitors interact with pages describing real-time video operation. Advertising or targeting cookies track browsing to deliver relevant course promotions. Social-media cookies may be present if third-party platforms are embedded, although our site does not feature active social sharing tools. Each category serves a distinct purpose and is explained further below.

First-Party Versus Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by showtrailvo and relate to our own domain. They typically handle essential tasks such as session management for visitors viewing course details. Third-party cookies are placed by external providers, for example analytics services or advertising networks. These may be used to measure traffic sources or to show course advertisements on other sites. We maintain oversight of all third parties and ensure they comply with UK data protection standards before integration.

Session Versus Persistent Cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it. They are used for temporary functions such as keeping track of items during a single visit to the course enquiry section. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period, ranging from a few days to two years depending on their purpose. For instance, a persistent analytics cookie may retain data for 13 months to allow year-on-year comparison of interest in live broadcasting techniques. Retention periods are chosen to balance utility with privacy considerations.

Data Handled and Purpose of Each Category

Strictly necessary cookies process minimal data such as session identifiers and do not store personal details beyond what is required for functionality. Functional cookies may record display preferences or form completions related to course bookings. Analytics cookies capture aggregated data including page views, time spent on content about control-room management and referral sources. Advertising cookies collect browsing patterns to tailor promotions of our commercial offerings. No category processes sensitive personal data without explicit additional consent.

Consent or Exemption Basis

Strictly necessary cookies operate under the strict necessity exemption of PECR and do not require consent. All other categories rely on consent obtained through our site-wide cookie banner. Consent is recorded and can be withdrawn at any time. Under UK GDPR we process personal data collected via cookies only when we have a lawful basis, which for non-essential cookies is consent. Records of consent are retained in line with our data retention schedule.

Cookie Table

The following table summarises the cookies currently in use. Names, providers, categories and durations are listed for transparency.

Name: _session - Provider: showtrailvo - Category: Strictly necessary - Duration: Session
Name: pref_lang - Provider: showtrailvo - Category: Functional - Duration: 1 year
Name: _ga - Provider: Google Analytics - Category: Analytics - Duration: 13 months
Name: _gid - Provider: Google Analytics - Category: Analytics - Duration: 24 hours
Name: ads_pref - Provider: Advertising partner - Category: Advertising - Duration: 90 days

How the Consent Manager Works

Our cookie banner appears on first visit and allows granular choices for each non-essential category. Visitors may accept all, reject all or select specific categories before continuing. Preferences are stored in a first-party cookie that expires after 12 months. To change choices later, users can reopen the banner via a link in the website footer. Withdrawal of consent takes immediate effect and stops further collection by the affected cookies.

Browser-Level Controls

Most browsers allow users to block or delete cookies through settings. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent core site functions such as submitting course enquiries. Blocking analytics cookies reduces our ability to improve content but does not stop the site from working. Instructions for popular browsers are available in their help sections. Note that some features of our commercial course platform may not operate fully if cookies are restricted.

International Transfers

Some third-party cookies may transfer data outside the United Kingdom. In such cases appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details appear in our Privacy Policy, which is accessible from the website footer.

Policy Changes and Contact

We review this policy regularly and update it when practices or regulations change. The date at the top of the page indicates the most recent revision. For questions about cookies or to exercise data subject rights please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. Our postal address is National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG and telephone number is 01494 671234.