Privacy Policy

Last updated: 01 January 2026

Tech West Midlands CIC (“TechWM”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency, integrity, and care.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you engage with our website, events, programmes, and community initiatives.

1. Who We Are

TechWM is an independent not-for-profit organisation working to support and grow the West Midlands tech ecosystem. We act as the data controller for the personal information we collect.

Registered address:
Birmingham Tech CIC (Registered Company 12142813)
Icentrum, Holt Street, Birmingham, England, B7 4BP
Email: connect@techwm.com

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We collect information depending on how you interact with us:

A. Information you provide directly

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Organisation name

  • Role / job title

  • Newsletter preferences

  • Event registrations

  • Project or partnership interests

  • Content submissions (e.g., news stories, event listings)

  • Any information included in messages or correspondence with us

B. Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we may collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Cookies and tracking data (see Section 10)

C. Information from third parties

We may receive data from:

  • Event partners

  • Sponsors

  • Ticketing platforms (e.g., Eventbrite)

  • Publicly available sources (e.g., LinkedIn)

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:

Deliver Services & Support

  • Manage event registrations and attendance

  • Provide 1–2–1 support or advisory sessions

  • Connect you with relevant programmes, partners, or opportunities

Communicate With You

  • Send newsletters and ecosystem updates

  • Share invitations to events, projects, SIGs, and trade missions

  • Respond to enquiries or requests

Improve Our Work

  • Understand engagement across our website and activities

  • Produce anonymised insights and reports

  • Measure impact and improve user experience

Legal & Operational Purposes

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Maintain accurate records

  • Protect our organisation and users from fraud or misuse

We only process your data when we have a lawful basis to do so (see Section 4).

4. Our Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR:

  • Consent – e.g., when subscribing to newsletters or opting into communications

  • Contract – when you engage in an activity requiring registration or support

  • Legitimate Interests – e.g., promoting ecosystem opportunities, improving services

  • Legal Obligation – compliance with applicable regulations

You can withdraw consent at any time (see Section 7).

5. How We Share Your Data

We may share your information with:

  • Event partners or hosts

  • Project collaborators (e.g., WMCA, universities, industry partners)

  • Ticketing or CRM platforms we use

  • Sponsors (only when explicitly stated or where you give consent)

  • TechWM team members and contractors supporting delivery

We never sell your personal data.
We only share information when necessary and always with safeguards in place.

6. How We Store & Protect Your Data

We store your information securely using industry-standard systems.
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from:

  • Loss

  • Misuse

  • Unauthorised access

  • Alteration

  • Disclosure

Data is retained only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or to meet legal requirements.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information

  • Delete your data (right to be forgotten)

  • Object to certain types of processing

  • Limit how your data is used

  • Request portability of your data

  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
marketing@techwm.com

8. International Data Transfers

If we transfer personal data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses

  • Equivalent data protection frameworks

9. Links to External Websites

Our website and communications may include links to third-party sites.
We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites, and we encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience, analyse performance, and personalise content.

You can:

  • Accept or decline cookies

  • Change your browser settings at any time

A full Cookie Policy can be added separately if needed.

11. Children’s Data

We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 16 without parental consent.
If you believe we hold such information, please contact us.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The most recent version will always be available on this page, with the updated date clearly displayed.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

TechWM Data Protection Contact
Email: marketing@techwm.com
Address: Icentrum, Holt Street, Birmingham, England, B7 4BP