Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Honeycomb Financial Services is dedicated to protecting your personal data's privacy and security. As an accountancy practice, we often act as a Data Controller, meaning we determine how your personal information is collected, stored, and used. This policy applies to our clients, prospective clients, and visitors to our website.

2. The Data We Collect

In the process of providing accountancy, taxation, and advisory services, we may collect the following categories of data:

  • Identity Data: This includes names, titles, date of birth, and copies of identification (e.g., passport or driving license) to conduct Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks.

  • Contact Data: This consists of billing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.

  • Financial Data: This comprises bank account details, tax identifiers (e.g., Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), National Insurance Number), payroll records, and financial statements.

  • Technical Data: This includes IP addresses and cookies utilised when accessing our client portal or website.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data solely when permitted by law. The primary reasons for our data usage include:

  • Contractual Necessity: To perform the accounting services for which you have engaged us.

  • Legal Obligation: To adhere to AML regulations, tax laws, and professional indemnity requirements.

  • Legitimate Interests: To manage our relationship with you and to enhance the quality of our services.

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your data. Nevertheless, we may share information with:

  • Regulators: Such as His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Companies House, or relevant professional bodies (e.g., the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)).

  • Service Providers: Including cloud accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks), secure document portals, and IT support services.

  • Legal Authorities: When deemed necessary to prevent fraud or money laundering activities.

5. Data Security

We have implemented appropriate security measures to protect your personal data from accidental loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Access to your personal data is restricted to employees and agents who have a legitimate business need to know that information.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected. In accordance with legal requirements and for professional indemnity purposes, we generally retain client files for a period of 6 to 7 years following the termination of the client relationship.

7. Your Legal Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you are entitled to the following rights:

  • Access: The right to request copies of your personal information.

  • Correction: The right to request the rectification of inaccurate information concerning you.

  • Erasure: The right to request the deletion of your data, subject to our legal retention obligations.

  • -Object/Restrict: The right to object to or restrict the processing of your data.

8. Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this privacy policy or our data protection practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: amy@honeycomb-fs.org.uk

Phone: 01603804050

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require any further information or clarification.