Privacy Policy

​​

Effective date: 15 April 2026 Data controller: Count Best, 10 Albany Road, Hornchurch RM12 4AF, United Kingdom. Email: richard@countbest.co.uk. Phone: 0740 222 8017.

Introduction

Count Best provides accounting, tax, payroll, outsourced finance and transaction advisory services. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use and protect it, how long we keep it, and the rights you have under UK data protection law and the UK GDPR.

Personal data we collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data depending on the service provided:

• Identity and contact data: name, job title, company name, postal address, email address, telephone numbers.

• Client financial and transactional data: accounting records, bank details, invoices, payroll data, tax returns, VAT records, management accounts.

• Special category data: health or disability information only where strictly necessary for provision of services (for example, to make reasonable adjustments).

• Technical and usage data: IP address, device and browser information, cookies and analytics data when you visit our website.

• Communications and correspondence: emails, meeting notes, call recordings (where applicable) and other communications you send to us.

Purposes and lawful bases for processing

We process personal data for the following purposes and on these lawful bases:

• To provide accounting and advisory services (performance of a contract with you).

• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations (for example tax, anti‑money laundering and statutory record keeping).

• For our legitimate interests such as maintaining client relationships, improving services, fraud prevention and ensuring the security of our systems, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights.

• With your consent where required (for example marketing communications or certain cookies). We will always identify the specific lawful basis when we collect your data.

Sharing data and third parties

We may share personal data with:

• Professional advisers and service providers engaged to support delivery of services (e.g., payroll processors, cloud accounting platforms, auditors, IT and backup providers).

• Regulators and authorities where required by law (e.g., HMRC, Companies House, law enforcement).

• Third parties involved in a transaction (for example during acquisitions or due diligence) where you have instructed us or where disclosure is necessary to provide the service. We require third parties to process data securely and only for the purposes we specify.

International transfers

Where we transfer personal data outside the UK, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (for example standard contractual clauses or transfers to countries with an adequate level of protection) and that transfers comply with applicable law.

Data retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy and to meet legal, regulatory and professional obligations. Typical retention periods include: client accounting and tax records retained in line with statutory requirements (generally at least six years), payroll records retained for statutory periods, and shorter retention for marketing or website analytics unless you consent to longer storage. We will securely delete or anonymise data when it is no longer required.

Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction or damage. Measures include access controls, encryption where appropriate, secure backups and staff training. No system is completely secure; if a data breach affecting your personal data occurs we will notify you and the Information Commissioner’s Office where required by law.

Your rights

You have rights in relation to your personal data, subject to legal limits:

• Right of access to a copy of your personal data.

• Right to rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Right to erasure (in certain circumstances).

• Right to restriction of processing and to object to processing based on legitimate interests.

• Right to data portability where processing is based on consent or contract and carried out by automated means.

• Right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. To exercise any right, contact us at info@countbest.co.uk. If you remain dissatisfied you may lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Cookies and analytics

Our website uses cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience and measure site performance. Where required by law we obtain consent for non‑essential cookies. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings or the cookie controls on our site. We may use Google Analytics or similar services; these services may collect technical data about your visit.

Marketing communications

We will only send marketing communications where you have consented or where we have a legitimate interest and you have not opted out. You can opt out of marketing at any time by following the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting richard@countbest.co.uk.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will be published on our website with an updated effective date. Where changes are material we will notify clients and contacts by email where appropriate.

Contact and data protection officer

For questions about this policy, to exercise your rights, or to make a complaint, contact: Data Protection Contact: info@countbest.co.uk Postal address: Count Best, 10 Albany Road, Hornchurch RM12 4AF. If you remain unhappy after contacting us you may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.