What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences and understand how it is used. We also use browser session storage, which works similarly but is cleared when you close your browser.
Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are required for basic site functionality and cannot be disabled.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
bms_consent | Remembers your cookie consent preference (accepted or declined) | 365 days |
Analytics Cookies (require your consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our tools. They are only set if you click Accept on the cookie banner.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
bms_vid | An anonymous visitor ID (random UUID) that links your page views and tool usage into a single visit history. Contains no personal information. | 180 days |
bms_ref | Stores a token from email campaign links so we can connect your visit to a campaign. Set only when you arrive via a link in one of our emails. | 180 days |
Session Storage (not cookies)
These are cleared automatically when you close your browser. They do not persist across sessions.
| Key | Purpose |
|---|---|
bms_sid | An anonymous session ID used to group page views within a single visit |
bms_utm_source | Marketing attribution — which channel brought you here |
bms_utm_medium | Marketing attribution — the type of link (e.g. email, social) |
bms_utm_campaign | Marketing attribution — the specific campaign name |
bms_affordability_data | Temporarily stores your affordability calculator inputs so they can pre-fill the wellness assessment (expires after 30 minutes) |
How to Manage Cookies
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking Manage Cookies in our website footer. You can also delete cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
What Happens If You Decline Cookies
If you decline cookies, our tools still work normally:
- The Affordability Calculator, Budget Planner, Protection Shortfall Calculator, and Financial Wellness Assessment all function as usual
- Your activity is still tracked for the duration of your browser session using a temporary session ID (stored in session storage, not a cookie). This helps us provide a better service if you submit a contact form during the same visit
- No persistent identifier is stored — once you close your browser, the session ID is gone and your activity cannot be linked to future visits
- You can change your mind at any time using the Manage Cookies link in the footer
Data Retention
Anonymous visitor activity data is retained for 12 months and then automatically deleted. This data contains no personal information — only page URLs, tool result summaries, and anonymous IDs.
Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, contact us at info@bmortgageservices.co.uk or call 01452 925209.