Legal
Cookie Policy
Last updated: 12 August 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Stephen Michael Mornington, a sole trader trading as Apex Vehicle Solutions ("I", "me", "my"; and where the site says "we" or "Apex", that means the same sole trader), uses cookies and similar technologies on:
- apexvehiclesolutions.co.uk (main website);
- apexfiles.co.uk (dealer / ECU file portal and related hosts);
- linked customer, dealer, technician and staff portals on those domains.
I am not a limited company and not any third-party company with a similar name. This notice should be read with the Privacy Policy.
UK rules for cookies and similar tech come mainly from the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK GDPR.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, pixels and certain SDK identifiers. This policy uses "cookies" to cover those where they store or access information on your device.
2. Who controls cookies on these sites
- Controller: Stephen Michael Mornington, sole trader, trading as Apex Vehicle Solutions
- Address: 135 Ashford Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3UA, United Kingdom
- Email: apexvehiclesolutions@outlook.com
- Phone: 07342 340449
3. Types of cookies I use
- Strictly necessary — required for the site or portal to work (security, sign-in, load balancing, cookie preference storage). These do not require consent under PECR.
- Functional / preference — remember choices (e.g. UI preferences). Used only where needed; if not strictly necessary, consent is obtained where required.
- Analytics / performance — understand traffic and errors (only if enabled). Non-essential analytics require consent where PECR applies.
- Marketing / advertising — not a core part of the service. If ever used, they will only run with consent and will be listed here.
4. Cookies and similar technologies (guide)
Exact cookie names can change when the platform or providers update. Typical categories on these sites:
| Category | Purpose (examples) | Consent? |
|---|---|---|
| Session / authentication | Keep you signed in to customer, dealer, technician or staff portals; protect the session (e.g. NextAuth / session cookies). | No — strictly necessary |
| Security / CSRF | Help prevent cross-site request forgery and abuse of forms and APIs. | No — strictly necessary |
| Cookie preference | Remember whether you accepted or rejected non-essential cookies (if a banner is shown). | No — strictly necessary for that purpose |
| Load / hosting | Provider cookies required to deliver the site securely (e.g. CDN or host edge cookies). | Usually necessary for delivery |
| Payments (e.g. Stripe) | When you pay or buy credits, the payment provider may set cookies or use similar tech on checkout pages to process payment and prevent fraud. | Necessary for the payment flow you start; see Stripe’s notices |
| Analytics (if enabled) | Page views, basic performance, error diagnostics. Only if I enable a tool such as privacy-friendly analytics. | Yes — if not strictly necessary |
| Local storage | May store short-lived UI state or form drafts in your browser (similar to cookies). | Necessary if required for the feature; otherwise consent if non-essential |
Third-party embeds (for example maps opened in a new tab to Google Maps) are controlled by those providers when you leave my site. In-page embeds, if added later, will be disclosed and consented where required.
5. Consent
Under PECR, I do not need consent for cookies that are strictly necessary to provide a service you request (for example logging into your account or completing payment).
For non-essential cookies (such as non-essential analytics or marketing), I will only set them if you consent — typically via a cookie banner or settings control, when those tools are active.
You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing cookies, using browser controls, or using any “cookie settings” link on the site when available. Withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of earlier processing.
6. How you can manage cookies
- Browser settings — block or delete cookies (see your browser’s help for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
- Private / incognito mode — limits longer-term storage.
- Site cookie banner or settings — when shown, choose essential-only or accept optional categories.
- Sign out of portals when using a shared device.
If you block all cookies, parts of the site may not work (especially login, bookings and the dealer portal).
Helpful browser guides (external):
7. Third parties
Some cookies or similar technologies are set by providers who help run the service, for example:
- Hosting / CDN / platform infrastructure;
- Authentication session handling;
- Payment providers such as Stripe on checkout;
- Email or operational tools that do not usually set marketing cookies on the public site;
- Postcode or map providers if you interact with their services.
Those providers process data under their own terms and privacy notices as well as under contracts with me where they act as processors. See the Privacy Policy for wider sharing and international transfers.
8. How long cookies last
- Session cookies — usually deleted when you close the browser or after a short idle period.
- Persistent cookies — remain for a set period (or until you delete them), e.g. “remember cookie choice” or longer-lived security tokens where used.
Account sessions may expire for security even if a cookie remains on the device.
9. Changes
I may update this Cookie Policy when the sites, tools or law change. The "Last updated" date will change. Check this page periodically.
10. Contact
- Stephen Michael Mornington — trading as Apex Vehicle Solutions
- Email: apexvehiclesolutions@outlook.com
- Phone: 07342 340449
- Post: 135 Ashford Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3UA, United Kingdom
- Web: apexvehiclesolutions.co.uk · Portal: apexfiles.co.uk
For data rights (access, erasure, etc.), use the Privacy Policy contact details. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Summary
Strictly necessary cookies keep logins and security working without consent. Non-essential cookies (e.g. analytics) only if enabled and, where required, with your consent. Applies to apexvehiclesolutions.co.uk and apexfiles.co.uk.
Related: Privacy · Terms · Acceptable Use · Contact