Privacy Policy

1.1This Privacy Policy explains how BLINQO LTD (“Blinqo”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, shares and protects personal information when individuals use the Blinqo website, platform, applications and related services (together, the “Platform”).

1.2This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Workers and Tradespeople;
• representatives of Companies and other businesses;
• Property Owners;
• visitors to the Platform; and
• individuals who otherwise communicate with Blinqo.

1.3Blinqo processes personal information in accordance with applicable UK data-protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1.4This Privacy Policy should be read together with Blinqo’s Terms & Conditions, Cookie Policy and any additional privacy information provided when personal information is collected.

2.1For personal information covered by this Privacy Policy, the data controller is:

2.2As data controller, Blinqo determines why and how relevant personal information is processed in connection with the Platform.

2.3Privacy and data-protection enquiries may be sent to:

Privacy email: privacy@blinqo.co.uk

The information we collect depends on how an individual uses Blinqo.

3.1 Account and Identity Information

This may include:

• name;
• username or Account identifier;
• date of birth where required;
• profile photograph;
• identity-verification information; and
• other information necessary to create or verify an Account.

3.2 Contact Information

This may include:

• email address;
• telephone number;
• address or general location; and
• communication preferences.

3.3 Worker/Tradesperson Information

This may include:

• trade or occupation;
• skills and experience;
• employment or professional history;
• qualifications and certificates;
• CSCS or other construction cards;
• licences and registrations;
• availability;
• preferred work location;
• profile information;
• insurance information; and
• verification information.

3.4 Company and Business Information

Where a User acts on behalf of a Company or other business, we may collect:

• business name;
• company registration details;
• business address and contact details;
• role within the organisation;
• workforce requirements;
• Job postings; and
• information about use of the Platform.

3.5 Property Owner and Project Information

This may include:

• contact details;
• Project location;
• property-related information;
• Project descriptions and requirements;
• estimated budget or Project value;
• preferred dates or timescales;
• photographs; and
• information about Companies or Workers/Tradespeople selected or contacted.

3.6 Matching and Connection Information

We may collect information about:

• Jobs and Projects viewed;
• expressions of interest;
• Matches;
• selections or acceptances;
• Connections;
• contact-detail unlocks;
• Job or Project status; and
• use of relevant Platform features.

3.7 Payment and Transaction Information

Where a User pays a Platform Fee, we may process:

• amount;
• transaction date;
• payment status;
• relevant fee or Service;
• refunds or disputes; and
• transaction identifiers.

Payment-card or bank details may be processed directly by our payment provider rather than stored by Blinqo.

3.8 Communications

We may collect communications relating to:

• customer support;
• complaints;
• reports;
• verification;
• feedback; and
• other Platform-related communications.

3.9 Technical and Usage Information

This may include:

• IP address;
• device and browser information;
• login and security information;
• session information;
• Platform activity;
• error or diagnostic data; and
• cookie or similar technology information.

Further information is provided in our Cookie Policy.

3.10 Information You Need to Provide

Certain personal information may be required to create or maintain an Account, complete verification, make or receive a Connection, process a Platform payment or use particular Platform features.

Where information is required, Blinqo will indicate this at the relevant stage. If the required information is not provided, Blinqo may be unable to create or verify an Account, process a payment, provide a Connection or make the relevant Service available.

We may collect personal information:

4.1 Directly From You

For example when you:

• create or update an Account;
• complete a profile;
• post a Job or Project;
• express interest in an opportunity;
• submit verification documents;
• make a payment or request a refund;
• communicate through the Platform;
• contact support; or
• submit a complaint or report.

4.2 Through Use of the Platform

We may generate or collect information relating to Matches, Connections, selections, payments, Account activity and use of Platform features.

4.3 From Other Users

We may receive information about you from another User where relevant to a legitimate Platform activity, such as a Job, Project, Connection or complaint.

4.4 From Third Parties

We may receive information from providers or sources used to operate, verify or protect the Platform, including:

• payment providers;
• identity or document-verification providers;
• fraud-prevention and security providers;
• company or professional registers; and
• other service providers.

4.5 From Public Sources

Where appropriate and lawful, we may check information against publicly available sources such as Companies House or relevant professional or certification registers.

4.6 Cookies and Similar Technologies

Certain technical and usage information may be collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies.

Further information is provided in our Cookie Policy.

We only process personal information where we have an appropriate lawful basis.

Depending on the circumstances, we may rely on:

• performance of a contract;
• legitimate interests;
• legal obligations; or
• consent.

5.1 Creating and Managing Accounts

We use Account, identity and contact information to:

• create and administer Accounts;
• authenticate Users;
• provide Platform functionality;
• protect Account security; and
• send necessary Account communications.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract and, where appropriate, legitimate interests.

5.2 Matching and Connection Services

We may use profile, skills, qualifications, location, availability and Job or Project information to:

• identify potentially relevant Matches;
• display relevant opportunities;
• enable expressions of interest;
• support User selection; and
• facilitate Connections and release contact information where applicable.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract and legitimate interests in operating the Platform.

5.3 Jobs and Projects

We process information submitted in Jobs and Projects to publish, manage, match and administer opportunities.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract and legitimate interests.

5.4 Verification

We may use identity, business, qualification, certification, insurance and related information to:

• verify User information;
• display verification indicators;
• reduce fraud and misrepresentation;
• improve trust and safety; and
• meet legal or regulatory requirements.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract, legitimate interests and legal obligation where applicable.

5.5 Payments and Financial Administration

We may process transaction information to:

• collect Platform Fees;
• confirm payments;
• issue invoices or receipts;
• process refunds;
• investigate disputes;
• maintain financial records; and
• meet accounting or tax obligations.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract, legal obligations and legitimate interests.

5.6 Safety, Fraud Prevention and Platform Integrity

We may process relevant information to detect, investigate or prevent:

• fraudulent Accounts;
• fake Jobs or Projects;
• payment fraud;
• circumvention;
• security threats;
• misuse of the Platform; and
• serious breaches of our Terms.

Lawful basis: legitimate interests and, where applicable, legal obligations.

5.7 Complaints and Disputes

We may use Account information, communications, transaction records and other relevant evidence to investigate complaints, reports and disputes.

Lawful basis: legitimate interests, performance of our contract and, where applicable, establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

5.8 Customer Support and Service Communications

We use relevant information to respond to enquiries, provide support and send necessary communications relating to Accounts, verification, Jobs, Projects, Connections, payments and security.

Lawful basis: performance of our contract and legitimate interests.

5.9 Improving Blinqo

We may analyse Platform usage and feedback to improve functionality, performance and User experience.

Where reasonably possible, we may use aggregated or anonymised information.

Lawful basis: legitimate interests.

5.10 Marketing

Where permitted by law, we may use contact information to send information about Blinqo services, features or promotions.

Where consent is required, we will obtain it.

Users may opt out of marketing at any time.

Lawful basis: consent where required and legitimate interests where permitted by law.

5.11 Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We may process or retain information where necessary to:

• comply with law;
• respond to lawful requests from authorities;
• maintain required records;
• establish, exercise or defend legal claims; or
• protect legal rights.

Lawful basis: legal obligation and legitimate interests, as applicable.

Blinqo may share personal information where necessary to operate the Platform, provide Services, protect Users or comply with legal obligations.

6.1 Other Blinqo Users

Relevant information may be shared with other Users as part of Jobs, Projects, matching, selection and Connection processes.

The information shared will depend on the User type and stage of the interaction.

6.2 Payment Providers

Where a User makes a payment, relevant information may be shared with payment providers to process:

• payments;
• refunds;
• payment disputes; and
• fraud-prevention checks.

Blinqo will only receive and retain payment information reasonably necessary to administer the transaction.

6.3 Verification Providers

Where third-party verification services are used, relevant identity, qualification, certification, business or other information may be shared for verification purposes.

6.4 Technology and Service Providers

We may use third parties to support operation of the Platform, including providers of:

• hosting and cloud infrastructure;
• database and storage services;
• email, SMS or communication services;
• customer-support systems;
• analytics;
• security and fraud prevention; and
• other technical services.

These providers may process personal information on our behalf where necessary to provide their services.

6.5 Professional Advisers

We may share relevant information with professional advisers such as solicitors, accountants, auditors, insurers and other consultants where reasonably necessary.

6.6 Authorities and Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information to courts, regulators, law-enforcement agencies or other competent authorities where required or permitted by law.

6.7 Business Transfers

If Blinqo is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, investment or sale of all or part of its business, relevant personal information may be disclosed to appropriate parties involved in that transaction, subject to applicable data-protection law.

6.8 No Sale of Personal Information

Blinqo does not sell Users' personal information to third parties.

7.1 Profiles

Relevant profile information may be visible to other Users where necessary for Platform functionality.

The information displayed will depend on the Account type and Service being used.

7.2 Company → Worker/Tradesperson

Where a Worker/Tradesperson is matched with or considered for a Company opportunity, relevant professional information may be shared with the Company.

This may include:

• trade;
• skills;
• experience;
• qualifications;
• certifications;
• location; and
• availability.

Contact information will be handled according to the applicable Connection process.

7.3 Property Owner → Company

Where a Property Owner posts a Project, relevant Project information may be made available to potentially suitable Companies.

Blinqo may withhold direct contact information until the applicable Connection requirements have been satisfied.

7.4 Property Owner → Worker/Tradesperson

Where a Property Owner posts a Project suitable for a Worker/Tradesperson:

1. relevant Project information may be displayed to potentially suitable Workers/Tradespeople;
2. the Property Owner may receive relevant profile information from Workers/Tradespeople who express interest;
3. the Property Owner may select or accept a Worker/Tradesperson;
4. Blinqo may withhold direct contact details until the applicable Connection process and any required Connection Fee have been completed; and
5. relevant contact details may then be released so the parties can communicate directly.

7.5 Information Not Intended for Public Display

Identity documents, verification documents, payment information and other information collected for administrative, security or verification purposes will not ordinarily be displayed publicly unless clearly stated otherwise or required by law.

7.6 Use of Information Received From Other Users

A User receiving another User's personal information through Blinqo must only use it for the legitimate Job, Project, Connection or related purpose for which it was provided.

Users must not sell, publish, misuse or use that information for unrelated marketing.

8.1 International Service Providers

Some service providers used by Blinqo may process or store personal information outside the United Kingdom.

This may include providers of hosting, payments, communications, analytics, security or verification services.

8.2 Safeguards

Where personal information is transferred outside the UK, Blinqo will use an appropriate lawful transfer mechanism where required.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• UK adequacy regulations;
• the UK International Data Transfer Agreement;
• the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses; or
• another recognised lawful transfer mechanism.

8.3 Further Information

Users may contact Blinqo for further information about safeguards used for international transfers.

9.1 General Principle

Blinqo keeps personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and for any relevant legal, accounting, fraud-prevention, regulatory or dispute-resolution requirements.

9.2 Retention Factors

When deciding how long to retain information, we may consider:

• the type and sensitivity of the information;
• the purpose for which it was collected;
• whether the Account remains active;
• active or completed Jobs, Projects or Connections;
• complaints, disputes or legal claims;
• fraud-prevention and security requirements; and
• applicable legal or regulatory obligations.

9.3 Account Information

Account and profile information will generally be retained while the Account remains active.

Following closure, relevant information may be deleted, anonymised or retained where there is a lawful or legitimate reason to do so.

9.4 Transaction Records

Information relating to Platform Fees, payments, invoices and refunds may be retained for the period required by applicable tax, accounting and legal requirements.

9.5 Verification Information

Verification documents and related information will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for verification, fraud-prevention, legal or regulatory purposes.

Where possible, Blinqo may retain a record of the verification result rather than keeping the full document.

9.6 Jobs, Projects and Connections

Information relating to Jobs, Projects, Matches and Connections may be retained after completion where reasonably necessary for record-keeping, complaints, fraud prevention, disputes or legal claims.

9.7 Complaints and Disputes

Information relating to complaints, investigations and disputes may be retained for an appropriate period where necessary to resolve the matter or establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

9.8 Anonymised Information

Blinqo may retain information that has been properly anonymised so that it no longer identifies an individual.

Such information may be used for analytics, research, security and Platform improvement.

10.1 Security Measures

Blinqo takes appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, disclosure or destruction.

Measures may include:

• access controls and authentication;
• secure hosting and infrastructure;
• encryption or other appropriate security protections;
• restricted access based on business need;
• security monitoring;
• backup and recovery measures; and
• procedures for responding to personal-data breaches.

10.2 Account Security

Users are responsible for keeping login credentials secure and should notify Blinqo promptly if they suspect unauthorised access to their Account.

10.3 Service Providers

Where third-party providers process personal information on Blinqo's behalf, Blinqo will take appropriate steps to address relevant data-protection and security obligations.

10.4 Personal Data Breaches

Where Blinqo becomes aware of a personal-data breach, it will assess the incident and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable law.

Where legally required, Blinqo will notify the Information Commissioner's Office and/or affected individuals.

10.5 No System Is Completely Secure

While Blinqo takes appropriate steps to protect personal information, no internet-based system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Depending on the circumstances, you may have the following rights under UK data-protection law.

11.1 Right of Access

You may request confirmation of whether Blinqo processes your personal information and request a copy of relevant personal information.

11.2 Right to Rectification

You may request correction of inaccurate personal information or completion of incomplete information.

11.3 Right to Erasure

In certain circumstances, you may request deletion of your personal information.

This right is not absolute, and Blinqo may retain information where there is a lawful reason to do so.

11.4 Right to Restrict Processing

In certain circumstances, you may request that Blinqo restrict how your personal information is processed.

11.5 Right to Object

Where Blinqo relies on legitimate interests, you may have the right to object to the processing.

Blinqo will consider the circumstances and applicable legal requirements when responding.

You have the right to object at any time to processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes.

11.6 Right to Data Portability

Where applicable, you may request certain personal information in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format or request its transfer to another organisation where technically feasible.

11.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time.

Withdrawal does not affect processing carried out lawfully before consent was withdrawn.

11.8 Direct Marketing

You may object to the use of your personal information for direct marketing at any time.

You may also use any unsubscribe or preference-management options provided in relevant communications.

11.9 Exercising Your Rights

Requests concerning data-protection rights may be sent to:

privacy@blinqo.co.uk

Blinqo may request information reasonably necessary to verify the identity of the person making the request.

Blinqo will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.

11.10 Complaints to the ICO

If you have concerns about how Blinqo handles your personal information, you may contact Blinqo first so that we have an opportunity to address the issue.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

12.1 Matching Technology

Blinqo may use automated tools, algorithms or rule-based systems to identify potentially relevant:

• Jobs;
• Projects;
• Companies; and
• Workers/Tradespeople.

Matching may take into account information such as trade, skills, qualifications, experience, location, availability and Job or Project requirements.

12.2 Automated Suggestions

Automated systems may rank, filter or suggest potentially relevant opportunities or Users.

A Match does not guarantee suitability, selection, employment, engagement or a successful Project.

12.3 Human and User Decision-Making

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the final decision to select, hire, engage or contract with another User is made by the relevant Users and not solely by an automated Blinqo system.

12.4 Significant Automated Decisions

Blinqo does not intend to make solely automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects on individuals without appropriate safeguards where required by law.

If this changes, Blinqo will update this Privacy Policy and provide appropriate information and rights.

12.5 Improving Matching

Blinqo may use Platform activity and feedback to improve matching relevance and Platform functionality, subject to applicable data-protection law.

Blinqo may use cookies and similar technologies to operate, secure and improve the Platform.

These technologies may be used for purposes such as:

• maintaining sessions;
• authentication;
• security and fraud prevention;
• remembering preferences;
• measuring Platform performance; and
• analytics where implemented.

Strictly necessary cookies may be used where required for the Platform to function.

Where non-essential cookies or similar technologies are used, appropriate consent will be obtained where required.

Further information is provided in Blinqo’s Cookie Policy.

14.1 Age Requirement

The Platform is intended for Users aged 18 or over.

Individuals under 18 must not create an Account or use the Platform as a Company, Worker/Tradesperson or Property Owner.

14.2 Information About Children

Blinqo does not knowingly seek to collect personal information directly from children through Account registration.

If Blinqo becomes aware that an Account has been created by a person under 18, it may restrict or close the Account and take appropriate action regarding the information concerned.

14.3 Incidental Information

Users should avoid unnecessarily uploading personal information about children, including in Project photographs or other Content.

15.1 Third-Party Services

The Platform may contain links to or integrate with third-party websites, tools or services.

These third parties may have their own privacy notices, terms and data-handling practices.

15.2 External Websites

Blinqo is not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of third-party websites or services that are not operated by Blinqo.

Users should review the relevant third party’s privacy information before providing personal information directly to them.

15.3 Integrated Providers

Where a third-party service is integrated into Blinqo, such as a payment, verification or communications provider, Blinqo will handle relevant personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

Blinqo may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• changes to the Platform or Services;
• changes in how personal information is processed;
• new technology or service providers; or
• changes to legal or regulatory requirements.

Where a change materially affects how personal information is used or Users’ rights, Blinqo will take reasonable steps to notify affected individuals where appropriate.

The current version will state its effective date and last updated date.

Questions, requests or complaints concerning this Privacy Policy or Blinqo’s handling of personal information may be sent to:

Individuals also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).