Privacy Policy

Last updated: 21 April 2025  ·  Lighthouse Transitions Ltd  ·  ICO Registration: ZB714000

This Privacy Policy explains how Lighthouse Transitions Ltd, trading as Franchise Planet (“we”, “us”, “our”), collects, uses, stores and protects your personal data when you use our website at franchise-directory.co.uk. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are

Franchise Planet is a UK franchise directory operated by Lighthouse Transitions Ltd. We connect prospective franchisees with franchise opportunities across every sector and investment level, working directly with franchisors and with franchise consultants acting on their behalf.

For the purposes of data protection law, Lighthouse Transitions Ltd is the Data Controller responsible for your personal data collected through this website.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

2.1 Data You Provide Directly

When you submit a franchise enquiry we collect:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your telephone number
• Your postcode
• Your investment budget range
• Any message you choose to include
• Whether you have opted in to receive marketing communications

2.2 Data Collected Automatically

When you visit our website we may automatically collect your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, referring website and date and time of your visit. This data is collected through cookies — see Section 9.

2.3 Data Provided by Franchisors and Consultants

If you list an opportunity on Franchise Planet we collect your name, business name, contact details, business information, website URL and payment information (processed securely via Stripe — we do not store card details).

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

3.1 Processing Franchise Enquiries

We use your contact details to forward your enquiry to the relevant franchisor or their appointed consultant, store your enquiry for record-keeping, and follow up if you have opted in. The lawful basis is our legitimate interest in facilitating connections between prospective franchisees and franchisors.

3.2 Marketing Communications (Consent)

If you have explicitly opted in, we may send you information about other franchise opportunities, news and guides. You can withdraw consent at any time by emailing hello@franchise-directory.co.uk or clicking unsubscribe in any email we send.

3.3 Website Improvement and Legal Compliance

We use anonymised data to improve our website and services, and may process data where required to comply with our legal obligations.

4. How We Share Your Data

4.1 Franchisors and Consultants

When you submit an enquiry your name, email, phone number, postcode, budget and message are shared with the relevant franchisor or their appointed consultant, or both.

4.2 Service Providers

5. How Long We Keep Your Data

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights in relation to your personal data:

• Right to access — request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification — ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to erasure — request deletion where there is no compelling reason to continue processing.
• Right to restrict processing — limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
• Right to data portability — receive your data in a machine-readable format where applicable.
• Right to object — object to processing based on our legitimate interests.
• Right to withdraw consent — withdraw marketing consent at any time without affecting prior processing.

To exercise any of these rights contact us at hello@franchise-directory.co.uk or by post to Lighthouse Transitions Ltd, Unit 15, Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF. We will respond within one month.

7. Data Security

We protect your data using SSL/TLS encryption, restricted staff access, secure hosting with regular backups, and password-protected franchisor accounts. All payments are handled by Stripe (PCI DSS Level 1 certified) — we never store card details.

In the event of a data breach likely to risk your rights and freedoms, we will notify the ICO within 72 hours and affected individuals without undue delay.

8. International Data Transfers

We aim to process your data within the UK and EEA wherever possible. Stripe is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. Brevo stores data in the EU. Where transfers outside the UK/EEA occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

9. Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. We use the following cookies:

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. For more information visit allaboutcookies.org.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has submitted data to us, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website contains links to franchisor and third-party websites. This policy applies only to franchise-directory.co.uk. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of any other website.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will update the date at the top when we do, and notify you by email where appropriate. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance.

13. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, please contact us at hello@franchise-directory.co.uk in the first instance. You also have the right to complain to the ICO:

14. Contact Us