Privacy Policy
Who We Are
Johnston Financial Solutions is a trading style of Johnston Financial Solutions Limited, a Commercial Finance Broker based in Northern Ireland. Johnston Financial Solutions Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 669355. Our registered business address is 36 Bigwood Road, Ardmore, Derry~Londonderry BT47 3RP.
What Data Do We Collect?
We collect the following data:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, address, email address, phone number, etc.
- Previous Contact Details: Information about prior interactions regarding our services.
- Service Details: Information on services you have received from us.
- Correspondence: Our communications with you.
- Third-Party Information: Data from sources such as credit reference agencies and publicly available resources (e.g., Companies House).
How Do We Collect Your Data?
You provide data directly when you:
- Register online or contact us to inquire about our services.
- Engage us to provide services.
- Voluntarily complete a customer survey or provide feedback.
- Use or view our website via your browser’s cookies.
We may also receive your data indirectly from:
- Lenders’ responses following an application.
- Third-party data providers such as credit reference agencies or Companies House.
Special Category Data
In interactions with us, you may share information classified as ‘Special Category Data,’ including:
- Race
- Ethnic origin
- Politics
- Religion
- Trade union membership
- Genetics
- Biometrics
- Health
- Sex life
- Sexual orientation
We will seek explicit consent to store and process such information and implement appropriate safeguards to protect it.
How Will We Use Your Data?
We use your data to:
- Process your application and manage your request.
- Email you with information on products and services we think you might like.
- Monitor the performance of our products and services to ensure positive consumer outcomes.
- Comply with Anti-Money Laundering regulatory requirements.
Lawful Basis for Processing Data
| Data Type | Lawful Basis |
| Personal Identification | Performance of a contract – To provide the services you have requested. |
| Previous Contact Details | Legitimate interests – To maintain accurate records of our interactions. |
| Service Details | Performance of a contract – To deliver and manage the services you receive. |
| Correspondence | Legitimate interests – To address inquiries and improve our services. |
| Third-Party Information | Legal obligation – To comply with regulatory requirements, such as anti-money laundering laws. |
| Special Category Data | Explicit consent – To process sensitive information you have provided. |
Data Retention Period
We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined:
| Data Type | Retention Period | Deletion Method |
| Personal Identification | 7 years after the end of our business relationship. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents. |
| Previous Contact Details | 7 years after the end of our business relationship. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents. |
| Service Details | 7 years after the end of our business relationship. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents. |
| Correspondence | 7 years after the end of our business relationship. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents. |
| Third-Party Information | 7 years after the end of our business relationship. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents. |
| Special Category Data | Retained only as long as necessary for the specific purpose consented to. | Secure deletion from electronic systems and shredding of physical documents upon withdrawal of consent or fulfilment of purpose. |
Data Sharing with Third Parties
We share your data with partner companies to offer you their products and services. These include:
- Lenders and financial institutions relevant to your application.
- Credit reference agencies for identity verification and credit assessment.
- Regulatory bodies as required by law.
- Trusted third-party service providers, including a virtual assistant based in Northern Ireland, to facilitate the processing of applications, client communications, and other administrative tasks. These third parties are contractually obligated to protect your data in compliance with this Privacy Notice and UK data protection laws.
Credit Reference Agency Information Notice (CRAIN)
We may share your personal information with credit reference agencies as part of contract performance. For more information on how they process personal data, please visit Credit Reference Agency Information Notice https://www.experian.co.uk/legal/crain/
Data Storage and Security
We store your data securely on UK-based servers with the following security measures:
- Data encryption
- Firewalls
- Regular security audits
- Access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access your data
- Additionally, we use secure, industry-standard third-party platforms to assist in data processing tasks. These include customer relationship management systems for efficient client communication and record-keeping, as well as document handling platforms to securely generate and manage contractual documentation. These platforms are contractually obligated to comply with UK data protection laws and implement robust security measures.
Marketing
We may send you information about our products and services and those of our partners that we think you might like. If you have agreed to receive marketing, you may opt out at any time.
Your Data Protection Rights
You have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data.
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information.
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of data processing under certain conditions.
- Right to Object to Processing: Object to data processing under certain conditions.
- Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization or directly to you under certain conditions.
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@johnstonfinancialsolutions.co.uk or call 07803 312874.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyse website traffic. Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behaviour information.
Types of Cookies We Use
We obtain your consent for non-essential cookies when you first visit our website. You can also manage your cookie preferences directly via the settings on our website.
- Functionality Cookies: Recognize you on our website and remember your preferences.
- Analytical Cookies: Collect information on website usage to help us improve our services.
Cookie Table
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Expiration | Type |
| _ga | Google Analytics – Tracks user behaviour on the website. | 2 years | Analytical |
| _gid | Google Analytics – Distinguishes users. | 24 hours | Analytical |
| _gat | Google Analytics – Throttles request rate. | 1 minute | Analytical |
Managing Cookies
You can set your browser to refuse cookies or remove existing cookies. However, some website features may not function as a result. For more information, visit All About Cookies | Online Privacy and Digital Security
Privacy Policies of Other Websites
Our website contains links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website. If you click on a link to another website, you should read their privacy policy.
Changes to Our Privacy Policy
We regularly review our privacy policy and place updates on this web page. This privacy policy was last updated on 2nd January 2025.
How to Contact Us
If you have any questions about our privacy policy or the data we hold on you, or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:
- Email: info@johnstonfinancialsolutions.co.uk
- Phone: 07803 312874
- Address: 36 Bigwood Road, Ardmore, Derry~Londonderry BT47 3RP
Contacting the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
If you feel your concern has not been addressed satisfactorily, you may contact the ICO at Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)