Privacy Policy
Last updated: TBC, 2026.
About this policy
This privacy policy explains how The Rural Business Awards — part of Capital Business Media Ltd (the data controller) — collects, stores and uses your personal data when you use this website, enter the awards, book tickets, sponsor the event, or otherwise interact with us. It applies to theruralbusinessawards.co.uk and any related event communications.
We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who we are
The data controller is:
Capital Business Media Ltd
7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR
Tel: 020 7206 2502
Email: privacy@cbmeg.co.uk
Registered in England & Wales · Company number: [TBC]
What we collect
- Identity and contact data — your name, business, email, phone number, postal address.
- Entry data — the content of your awards entry, supporting documents, business information.
- Booking data — table and seat bookings, dietary and access requirements, billing information.
- Sponsorship data — partner contacts, agreement details, billing information.
- Technical data — IP address, browser type, device, pages visited, referrers.
- Marketing preferences — your opt-ins for awards updates, Business Matters and partner communications.
How we use it
| Purpose | Lawful basis |
|---|---|
| Processing your entry, booking, sponsorship | Contract |
| Sending you awards-related updates about an entry or booking | Legitimate interest |
| Sending you marketing emails about future RBA events | Consent (opt-in) |
| Sharing entry data with sponsors | Consent (opt-in) |
| Site analytics | Legitimate interest |
| Legal and accounting obligations | Legal obligation |
How long we keep it
We hold entry data for the duration of the awards cycle plus 24 months. Booking and financial records are kept for seven years per UK accounting requirements. Marketing preferences are honoured until you change them.
Who we share it with
- Sponsors — only with your explicit opt-in, and only the data you have agreed to share.
- Business Matters — for editorial coverage of finalists and winners (you have the right to decline).
- Service providers — Formspree (entry/booking forms), Mailchimp (email), Stripe (payments where relevant), our event production partners. All under data-processing agreements.
- Law enforcement and regulators where legally required.
We do not sell personal data.
Your rights
You have the right to: access your data · correct it · delete it · restrict processing · object to processing · withdraw consent at any time · complain to the ICO (ico.org.uk).
To exercise any right, email privacy@cbmeg.co.uk.
Cookies
See our Cookie Policy.
Updates
We update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of the page tells you when.