Specialist services

OVERVIEW

Purpose & Scope
This Privacy Policy explains how Melon Accountants (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal data in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are
Melon Accountants is a UK-registered firm offering accountancy and tax services. We are the data controller for information collected through our website and client engagements.

2. Personal Data We Collect

  • Contact & identity details (e.g., name, email, phone)

  • Financial and tax information (e.g., for preparing returns, compliance)

  • Website usage data (via cookies and analytics)

  • Additional data you submit via forms, email, or phone

3. How We Use Your Data

  • To deliver our services and meet contractual obligations

  • For legal compliance (e.g., HMRC reporting, anti-money laundering)

  • To communicate updates or marketing (with consent)

  • To improve our services and digital experience

4. Legal Basis for Processing

  • Contractual necessity for service delivery

  • Legal obligations under financial and anti-money laundering laws

  • Legitimate interests, e.g., service improvement or business marketing

  • Consent, where expressly provided (e.g., email newsletter sign-up)

5. Sharing Your Data
We may share your data with:

  • HMRC or other legal/regulatory bodies

  • Service providers (e.g., IT support, cloud services) under NDA

  • Legal or compliance partners when necessary

6. International Data Transfers
If any processing happens outside the UK/EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

7. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Tax records: typically up to 7 years

  • Ongoing client data: throughout the relationship plus 7 years

  • Marketing data: until consent is withdrawn

8. Your Data Rights
You have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your data

  • Restrict or object to use of your data

  • Withdraw any consent given

  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO if you feel your data is misused

9. Security Measures
We employ appropriate security protocols (encryption, password protection, staff training) to safeguard your data.

10. Policy Updates
We may update this policy periodically—any changes will be posted here with an updated “Last Reviewed” date.

Contact Us
For privacy concerns or to exercise your rights, please email info@melonaccountants.co.uk