Privacy Policy & Compliance

Independent advice from Martin Hesketh, Equity Release Specialist

Hesketh Equity Release is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Effective Date: [17/09/2025]
Business Name: The Mortgage Shop t/a Hesketh Equity Release
Advisor: Martin Hesketh
Regulation: Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

1. Introduction

At Hesketh Equity Release, your privacy and trust are our top priorities. We understand that when you provide us with personal information, you expect it to be handled with the highest level of care and responsibility. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and applicable Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements.

By using our website, submitting an enquiry form, or engaging with our services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read this policy carefully to understand your rights and how we protect them.

2. Who We Are

Hesketh Equity Release provides independent advice on equity release products. Our mission is to guide clients through the process of unlocking value from their homes in a safe, regulated, and transparent manner.

Trading Name: The Mortgage Shop t/a Hesketh Equity Release
Principal Advisor: Martin Hesketh
Regulation: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Affiliation: Works in partnership with Pure Retirement, an FCA-regulated provider of equity release products.

3. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Personal Identification Information: Full name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and email address.
Financial Information: Mortgage details, outstanding debts, retirement income, savings, and property valuation.
Health Information: In certain cases, health or lifestyle information may be relevant to product eligibility.
Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and device information when you use our website.
Communication Records: Emails, phone call notes, or other correspondence.

We only collect data that is necessary to provide our services and fulfil regulatory obligations.

4. How We Collect Your Information

Directly from You: Through contact forms on our website, phone conversations, or during consultations.
Third Parties: With your consent, we may obtain information from product providers, solicitors, or credit agencies.
Automatically: Limited data such as website analytics and cookies to improve your browsing experience.

5. How We Use Your Information

Your personal data may be used for the following purposes:

Providing Services – To assess your circumstances, recommend suitable equity release products, and guide you through the process.
Regulatory Compliance – To meet obligations set by the FCA, HMRC, and other authorities.
Communication – To respond to enquiries, schedule consultations, and update you on your application progress.
Marketing (with consent) – To share relevant information, newsletters, or offers that may be of interest.
Internal Record-Keeping – To maintain accurate records of advice given and products recommended.

We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.

6. Legal Basis for Processing Data

We process your personal data under the following legal grounds:

Consent – When you provide explicit permission, e.g., opting into marketing emails.
Contractual Obligation – When processing is necessary to deliver our services.
Legal Obligation – When required by regulators such as the FCA.
Legitimate Interest – For administrative purposes, improving our website, or ensuring service efficiency.

7. How We Protect Your Data

We implement a range of security measures to safeguard your information:

Data encryption and secure storage systems.
Password-protected access for authorised staff only.
Regular system monitoring and updates to protect against cyber threats.
Secure email and document transfer practices.
Staff training on GDPR and FCA compliance.

8. Sharing Your Information

We only share your information when necessary:

With Lenders or Product Providers – To obtain suitable equity release offers.
With Professional Partners – Such as solicitors or surveyors involved in the process.
With Regulators – FCA or HMRC, where legally required.
With Third-Party Service Providers – For IT support, compliance monitoring, or website hosting, under strict confidentiality agreements.

We will never sell or trade your personal data to third parties for profit.

9. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including regulatory requirements. Financial advice records are generally retained for at least six years, or longer where legally required. Once data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

10. Your Rights Under GDPR

As a data subject, you have the following rights:

Right of Access – To request copies of the personal data we hold about you.
Right to Rectification – To have incorrect or incomplete data corrected.
Right to Erasure – To request deletion of your data, subject to legal obligations.
Right to Restrict Processing – To limit how your data is used.
Right to Data Portability – To request a transfer of your data to another provider.
Right to Object – To opt out of certain processing activities, such as marketing.
Right to Withdraw Consent – Where consent is the legal basis for processing.

Requests should be made in writing to [Insert Contact Email]. We will respond within one calendar month.

11. Cookies & Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us understand how visitors use the site.

Essential Cookies – Required for website functionality.
Analytics Cookies – Help us improve website performance.
Marketing Cookies – Used only if you consent to receive personalised content.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

12. Marketing Preferences

We may send you information about products or services that could be relevant to you, but only with your consent. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites such as Pure Retirement or the Equity Release Council. Please note that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal data.

14. Compliance with FCA Regulations

As an FCA-regulated business, Hesketh Equity Release follows strict compliance guidelines:

Clear, fair, and not misleading communications.
Suitability assessments to ensure products are appropriate.
Full disclosure of risks and alternatives.
Maintaining accurate records for regulatory review.
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles at the heart of our service.

15. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, regulation, or business practices. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Effective Date.”