Legals
ASAMS Website Privacy Notice
Effective date: 8 January 2026
ASAMS Limited (“ASAMS”, “we”, “us”, “our”) provides materials testing and related services. We are the data controller for personal data collected via our website and the contact channels listed below. This notice explains what we collect, why, how we use it, how long we keep it, and your rights. It applies to visitors, prospects, customers, suppliers and other people who interact with us online. It does not cover employee privacy (see our staff privacy notice).
Contact details
Data Protection Officer: Thomas Whiskin
Email (data protection): thomas@asams.co.uk
Postal address: ASAMS Ltd, Marine Building, Owen Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0NA
You may also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you have concerns.
1. What personal data we collect
- Identity & contact data (e.g., name, email, phone, company, job title) when you submit forms, request a quote, sign up for updates, or contact us.
- Enquiry & service data (message content, project details, order/reference numbers) to respond to requests and deliver services.
- Technical data (IP address, device/browser type, pages visited, time and date, referrer) generated by your browser and our web servers for security and performance.
- Marketing preferences (opt in/out status; topics of interest) where you choose to receive updates, including the “soft opt in” for existing customers as permitted by PECR.
- Recruitment data (CV, cover letter, application details) if you apply for roles via our site or directed email.
- We aim to keep data adequate, relevant and limited to what’s necessary for the stated purposes.
2. How we use your personal data (purposes and lawful bases)
- Responding to enquiries / providing quotes / delivering services.
Lawful basis: Contract (to take steps at your request prior to a contract, or to perform a contract); and Legitimate interests (to operate our business efficiently). - Customer administration and supplier management (billing, service updates, record keeping)
Lawful basis: Contract and Legal obligation (e.g., tax records). - Website security and performance monitoring (server logs, threat detection, error diagnostics)
Lawful basis: Legitimate interests (keep our services secure; prevent fraud). Any associated cookies or device access are limited to strictly necessary uses under PECR. - Analytics (audience measurement) and improvements
Lawful basis: Consent under PECR for non essential cookies/tech (see Section 3). We will update practices if low risk exemptions are brought into force. - Direct marketing (e.g., service updates or newsletters)
Lawful basis: Consent (opt in), or PECR’s soft opt in for our own similar services to existing customers—with a clear, free unsubscribe in every message. - Recruitment (processing applications; arranging interviews)
Lawful basis: Contract (pre contract steps), Legitimate interests (manage hiring), and Legal obligation where applicable.
3. Cookies and similar technologies
Our site uses cookies and similar technologies. We will:
- – Set strictly necessary cookies that enable core site functions (e.g., load balancing, session security, and your cookie choices) without consent.
- – Request your consent before setting non essential cookies (e.g., analytics, advertising, or enhanced functionality). You can change or withdraw your consent at any time via our cookie banner or browser settings.
Note: UK reforms under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 may allow certain low risk analytics/functionality cookies without consent once secondary legislation and ICO guidance are finalised. We will adjust our banner and policy accordingly.
Examples (indicative):
- • Strictly necessary: session ID, cookie consent storage, security tokens. (No consent required.)
- • Analytics (non essential): page views, scroll depth, referrers. (Consent required unless new exemptions apply.)
- • Advertising (non essential): tracking pixels, cross site identifiers. (Consent required.)
See our Cookie Policy for a current list of cookies, their purposes, and expiry periods.
4. Who we share your data with
- Service providers/IT vendors (e.g., website hosting, email delivery, CRM) under contracts that require confidentiality and appropriate security.
- Professional advisers (legal, accounting) and regulators where required by law.
We do not sell personal data. Any third party we use must process data only on our instructions and apply appropriate safeguards.
5. International transfers
We aim to host and process UK website data in the UK where feasible. If we transfer personal data outside the UK (for example, using cloud services or support teams located overseas), we will use a lawful transfer mechanism such as UK adequacy regulations, the International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA), or the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, and complete any required transfer risk assessment (TRA).
We also receive personal data from the EEA at times. The EU has renewed the UK’s adequacy decisions, which currently allow EU→UK data to flow without additional safeguards; we continue to monitor that status and will adapt as needed.
6. How long we keep your data (retention)
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described, including satisfying legal, accounting or reporting requirements. Typical website related periods:
- Enquiries/quotes: up to 2 years to manage follow up and service quality (unless you become a customer, then longer under contract/finance records).
- Marketing preferences: until you unsubscribe or your consent is withdrawn.
- Technical logs: short retention for security and auditing.
We review retention schedules periodically and securely delete or anonymise data when no longer needed.
7. Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or loss (e.g., HTTPS/TLS, access controls, staff training). If we become aware of a personal data breach that poses risk to individuals, we will assess and, where required, notify the ICO and affected individuals.
8. Your rights
You have the right to: access your data, correct inaccuracies, erase data, object to or restrict processing, and port certain data. You can also withdraw consent where consent is our lawful basis (e.g., cookies or marketing). We will respond without undue delay and within one calendar month; we may extend by up to two months if your request is complex or numerous, and we will tell you within the first month if so. Where we genuinely need clarification to locate the data, we may pause the time limit until received.
To exercise your rights, email thomas@asams.co.uk. If you’re unhappy with our response, you may contact the ICO.
9. Direct marketing and PECR
We follow the UK’s rules on electronic mail marketing (emails, texts, DMs) under PECR, which generally require consent from individuals—or allow a limited soft opt in for existing customers receiving marketing about similar products/services and with a clear opt out provided at collection and in every message. For B2B corporate email addresses, consent is not usually required, but we will honour any opt out preferences.
10. Children
Our website and services are not directed at children. Where we do provide online services likely to be accessed by children, we will consider the Children’s Code and ensure privacy information is appropriate for that audience.
11. Changes to this notice
We may update this notice from time to time to reflect changes to our services or the law (including any updates under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 for cookies/online tracking). We will post the revised date at the top and, where appropriate, notify you of material changes.
12. How to contact us
Email: thomas@asams.co.uk (Data Protection Officer)
Post: ASAMS Ltd, Marine Building, Owen Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0NA
ICO: If you believe your data protection rights have been infringed, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office for advice or to make a complaint.
We use cookies and similar technologies to run our website. We only set strictly necessary cookies without consent; all optional cookies are off unless you choose to enable them.
Strictly necessary cookies (no consent needed): these make the site work and deliver a service you request (e.g., page navigation, security).
Optional cookies (only with your consent):
- Analytics – help us improve the site.
- Marketing – measure or personalise ads/content.
We will ask you first, and it will be as easy to Reject all as Accept all. You can change your choices at any time.
Manage your choices: [Open cookie settings] (this link opens the cookie banner/preferences).
Details of cookies we use:
Our consent tool lists each cookie, its purpose, provider, and lifespan, and records your preferences.
Legal basis & updates:
We follow the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR. Recent UK reforms (Data Use and Access Act 2025) are adding limited, low‑risk exemptions (e.g., statistics/appearance), but best practice remains to obtain consent before setting non‑essential cookies. We will update this page if the rules change.
ASAMS Ltd — Terms and Conditions of Business
Last updated: 07 January 2026
Introduction
These Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”) apply to all quotations, orders and services provided by ASAMS Ltd (“ASAMS”). They are intended for business customers only (B2B). By placing an order or submitting samples to ASAMS, the Client agrees to these T&Cs.
For information on how we handle personal data, please see our Privacy Policy (available on this website).
Definitions
“Client” means the business entity purchasing services from ASAMS.
“Services” means metallurgical testing, inspection, analysis, reporting and any associated consultancy provided by ASAMS.
“Contract” means the agreement comprising these T&Cs and any quotation, purchase order, or statement of work agreed in writing.
Scope and Application
These T&Cs apply to all Services supplied by ASAMS to the Client and prevail over any terms the Client may purport to apply, unless expressly agreed in writing by an authorised signatory of ASAMS.
These T&Cs are intended for business-to-business transactions and do not apply to consumers.
Quotations and Orders
Quotations are provided based on minimum material requirements and do not account for weld run-offs or re-tests unless expressly stated.
Unless otherwise specified, quotations remain valid for 30 days from the date shown on the quotation.
A binding Contract is formed when ASAMS confirms acceptance of the Client’s order in writing or commences performance of the Services.
Prices and Taxes
Prices are in pound sterling (£) and exclusive of VAT, duties and other taxes, which shall be payable at the prevailing rates.
All work is subject to a minimum invoice charge of £85.
Working Hours and Out-of-Hours Services
ASAMS normal working hours are 07:30–17:00 Monday–Thursday and 07:30–16:00 Friday, excluding bank holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year.
Work requested outside normal working hours will be charged at an increased rate and quoted separately.
Samples, Materials and Retention
The Client shall ensure that all samples submitted are free from contaminants and accompanied by sufficient information to enable safe handling. Where samples have been exposed to harmful environments or substances, the Client must notify ASAMS prior to receipt as special precautions may be required and additional charges may apply.
Unless otherwise agreed, test pieces will be retained for at least 2 weeks after testing and may thereafter be disposed of by ASAMS.
Risk in samples remains with the Client at all times. ASAMS accepts no liability for loss or damage to samples in transit to or from ASAMS, and its liability for loss or damage to samples on ASAMS premises shall be limited in accordance with Clause ‘Liability and Limitations’.
Where the Client requests ASAMS to retain samples, test pieces or materials for any period longer than one (1) month after the completion of testing, ASAMS will apply storage charges at an agreed rate. Such charges will be invoiced monthly in arrears.
Health, Safety and Site Access
All Client or witness authority representatives attending ASAMS premises must wear protective footwear; other required PPE will be provided by ASAMS.
Visitors must comply with all safety instructions and not enter restricted areas without supervision.
Witness Authority and Third-Party Oversight
Where a witness authority or third-party oversight is required, ASAMS will arrange testing times with the Client and such authority. All costs and fees of the witness authority are payable by the Client directly.
The Client is responsible for providing any relevant control numbers or documentation required by the witness authority.
Performance of Services and Reports
ASAMS will perform the Services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with good laboratory practice.
Unless expressly stated, ASAMS does not undertake certification or approval of products; reports relate solely to the samples and parameters tested.
Reports are provided for the Client’s internal use and may not be reproduced, distributed or quoted externally except in full and with attribution to ASAMS.
Re-tests and Additional Work
Prices do not include re-tests for failed tests unless expressly agreed. Any additional work will be quoted and charged separately.
Delivery, Scheduling and Delays
ASAMS will use reasonable efforts to meet agreed dates, which are estimates. ASAMS shall not be liable for delays caused by factors beyond its reasonable control, including late delivery of samples, witness authority scheduling or force majeure.
Payment Terms
Invoices are due for payment within 30 days of the invoice date.
ASAMS may suspend Services and/or withhold or withdraw reports if invoices are not paid when due.
Late Payment
Without prejudice to any other rights, ASAMS may charge interest on overdue sums at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate. Fixed compensation and reasonable recovery costs may also be charged where applicable.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Each party shall keep confidential any technical, commercial or personal data disclosed by the other and shall use it only for the purposes of the Contract.
ASAMS processes personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. The Client shall ensure that any personal data provided to ASAMS is lawful and limited to what is necessary for performance of the Contract.
Intellectual Property
All intellectual property in ASAMS methods, processes and templates remains the property of ASAMS.
Subject to payment in full, ASAMS grants the Client a non-exclusive licence to use the deliverables and reports for the Client’s internal business purposes.
Subcontracting
ASAMS may subcontract elements of the Services to competent providers. ASAMS remains responsible for the performance of the subcontracted Services to the extent set out in these T&Cs.
Liability and Limitations
Nothing in these T&Cs excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Subject to the foregoing, ASAMS shall not be liable for: loss of profit, revenue, business, goodwill or any indirect or consequential loss.
ASAMS’ aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Contract (whether in contract, tort (including negligence), statutory duty or otherwise) shall be limited to the total fees paid or payable by the Client for the Services giving rise to the claim.
Force Majeure
ASAMS shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, industrial disputes, epidemics, government action, utilities failures or transportation disruptions.
Termination
Either party may terminate the Contract with immediate effect if the other materially breaches the Contract and fails to remedy the breach within 14 days of notice, or becomes insolvent.
Upon termination, the Client shall pay for Services performed up to the termination date and any reasonable costs incurred due to termination.
Samples After Completion
On request and at the Client’s cost, ASAMS may return samples to the Client, subject to applicable safety and transport requirements. Otherwise, samples may be disposed of after the retention period in ‘Samples, Materials and Retention’.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These T&Cs and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim.
General
Assignment: The Client may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations without ASAMS’ prior written consent.
Variations: No variation of the Contract shall be effective unless in writing and signed by authorised representatives of both parties.
Severability: If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force.
No Waiver: A failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right shall not constitute a waiver.
Entire Agreement: The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior discussions or representations.
Order of Precedence: In the event of conflict, a signed statement of work or quotation (including any special terms) shall take precedence over these T&Cs.