Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Synergy Group ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our networking platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

• Name and email address
• Profile information
• Payment information (processed securely by Stripe)
• Event registration and RSVP data
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage data and analytics
• Device information and IP address
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our services
• To process your membership and payments
• To send you event notifications and updates
• To improve our platform and user experience
• To comply with legal obligations
• To keep members informed about future events and networking opportunities

Legal Basis: We collect and process your data for legal reasons, including to fulfill our contractual obligations to you as a member and to keep you informed about future events and updates that are essential to your membership.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under the UK GDPR, we process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide our membership services
• Legitimate Interests: To facilitate networking and improve our platform
• Consent: For marketing communications (you can withdraw at any time)
• Legal Obligation: To comply with UK laws

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Other members (name and profile information for networking purposes)
• Service providers (Stripe for payments, email providers)
• Legal authorities when required by law

Business Transfers: In the event of a migration, merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal data may be transferred to or acquired by a third party. In such circumstances, we will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our platform before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy. We will ensure that any such transfer complies with applicable data protection laws and that the receiving party provides adequate protection for your personal data.

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Rectify inaccurate data
• Request erasure of your data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please visit our Privacy Tools page.

7. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We will delete or anonymize your data upon request, subject to legal obligations.

8. Cookies

We use cookies to improve your experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie banner or browser settings.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in the UK/EU. If we transfer data outside these regions, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification.

12. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@thesynergygroup.uk
Address: [Your Business Address]

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's data protection authority.