This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how Twincoast Commerce Ltd (trading as Stair-gates.co.uk) uses them on this website, and how you can control your cookie preferences. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
We are committed to being transparent about the cookies we use, in accordance with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to website owners about how their site is being used.
Cookies do not contain personally identifiable information on their own, but information we collect through cookies may be linked to personal data you provide to us (for example, when placing an order).
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- Essential operation — to enable core website and shopping cart functionality
- Your preferences — to remember settings such as language and currency
- Analytics — to understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it
- Marketing — to show relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness (only with your consent)
3. The Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as adding items to your basket or logging in to your account. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| woocommerce_cart_hash | Stair-gates.co.uk | Stores a hash of the cart contents to check if the cart has changed | Session |
| woocommerce_items_in_cart | Stair-gates.co.uk | Tracks whether the cart contains items to display the cart widget | Session |
| wp_woocommerce_session_* | Stair-gates.co.uk | Contains a unique code for each customer session to handle cart and checkout data | 2 days |
| wordpress_logged_in_* | Stair-gates.co.uk | Used to identify logged-in users and maintain their session | Session / 14 days |
| wordpress_test_cookie | Stair-gates.co.uk | Tests whether cookies are enabled in your browser | Session |
| PHPSESSID | Stair-gates.co.uk | Maintains your session across pages | Session |
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use. If you do not allow these cookies, some features may not work correctly.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| woocommerce_recently_viewed | Stair-gates.co.uk | Tracks recently viewed products to display in the recently viewed widget | Session |
| store_notice[notice_id] | Stair-gates.co.uk | Remembers if you have dismissed a store notice | Session |
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This allows us to improve how our website works.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID to generate statistical data on how you use the website | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Used by Google Analytics to persist session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Registers a unique ID used to generate statistical data on how you use the website | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Used to throttle request rate to Google Analytics | 1 minute |
Marketing & Third-Party Cookies
These cookies may be set by our third-party partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will see less targeted advertising.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| __stripe_mid | Stripe | Fraud prevention and detection for payment processing | 1 year |
| __stripe_sid | Stripe | Fraud prevention and detection for payment processing | 30 minutes |
| tp | Trustpilot | Used by Trustpilot to track interactions with review widgets | 1 year |
4. Your Cookie Choices
When you first visit our website, you will be asked to consent to non-essential cookies. You can choose to accept or decline them. You can also change your preferences at any time using the following methods:
Browser settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you block all cookies, some parts of our website — including the shopping basket and checkout — may not function correctly.
For guidance on how to manage cookies in popular browsers:
Opt out of Google Analytics
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies and you should refer to the relevant third party’s cookie policy for more information:
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to check this page periodically.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Email: info@stair-gates.co.uk
- Telephone: 01342 590035
- Twincoast Commerce Ltd, 10 Maypole Road, East Grinstead, England, RH19 1GZ
Last updated: July 2026