Cookie Policy
Effective date: 21 September 2025 | Last updated: 19 October 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Hourican Associates (“we”, “our”, “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on www.houricanassociates.com. Please read this alongside our Privacy Policy.
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences. Cookies may be:
- Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser)
- Persistent cookies (remain until they expire or are deleted)
- First-party cookies (set by this website)
- Third-party cookies (set by services we embed or use, e.g. analytics, maps, video)
We use cookies to:
- Enable core website functionality and security
- Improve performance, user experience and navigation
- Analyse traffic and site usage (e.g. Google Analytics)
- Support embedded content and maps (e.g. Google Maps, YouTube)
We do not use cookies to collect sensitive personal data without your consent.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Essential for our site to function (e.g. page navigation, load balancing, security). These do not require consent under PECR.
Performance & Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. Data is aggregated and does not directly identify you.
Functionality Cookies
Remember choices (such as location or preferences) to provide enhanced features.
Advertising & Third-Party Cookies
Cookies set by third parties when we embed their services (e.g. Google Maps, YouTube). These providers may use cookies independently of us. Please refer to their own policies for details.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRAffinity / ARRAffinitySameSite | Hourican Associates (hosting) | Load balancing to ensure requests are routed consistently | First-party / Strictly necessary | Session |
| ha.cookieConsent (localStorage) | Hourican Associates | Stores your accepted or rejected optional Google Analytics preference in this browser | First-party / Strictly necessary | Up to 180 days |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users for analytics | Third-party / Analytics | 2 years |
| _ga_container-id | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | Third-party / Analytics | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users for analytics (daily) | Third-party / Analytics | 24 hours |
| NID / SID / HSID (varies) | Google (Maps/YouTube) | Security, preferences and fraud prevention for embedded services | Third-party / Functional | Up to 6–24 months |
Note: The exact cookies in use can change as we update services. We will keep this table reasonably up to date.
4. Legal basis for using cookies
Under the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR): strictly necessary cookies do not require consent; all other cookies (e.g. analytics, advertising) require your prior consent.
On your first visit, you will see a cookie banner allowing you to accept or reject optional Google Analytics cookies. Essential cookies remain active.
- Use Cookie Settings in the footer to allow or reject optional Google Analytics cookies. Essential cookies remain active. Your preference is stored in this browser for up to 180 days, and you can change it at any time.
- Browser settings: You can block or delete cookies via your browser. Instructions are available in your browser’s help section.
- Google Analytics opt-out: You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on.
Disabling some cookies may impact site functionality or performance.
6. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices. Any updates will be posted here with a new “Last updated” date.
7. Contact us
Hourican AssociatesLondon, UK
Contact our team