Cookie Policy
What we use cookies for, what each one does, and how to change your mind at any time.
Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use a small number of them, some to make the site work properly, some to understand how it's used, and one set to power live chat support through Zoho SalesIQ.
Strictly necessary
These remember your cookie choice itself and don't require consent, without them the banner would simply reappear on every page.
Analytics
We use Google Analytics, loaded through Google Tag Manager, to understand how visitors use the site in aggregate, which pages get read, where people drop off, that kind of thing. These only load if you accept.
Live chat and engagement (Zoho SalesIQ)
We use Zoho SalesIQ to offer live chat support to visitors, and it also tracks visitor engagement on the site, that's a genuine analytics purpose, not just a chat widget, so it's treated the same as our analytics cookies and only loads with your consent.
The cookies themselves
| Cookie | Set by | Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sm_consent | skillsmarketing.co.uk | Strictly necessary | Remembers that you accepted cookies, so you're not asked again on future visits. | Persistent (until cleared) |
| sm_consent_session | skillsmarketing.co.uk | Strictly necessary | Remembers that you declined cookies for this visit only, so you're asked again next time. | This browsing session |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Analytics | Distinguishes unique visitors so we can see how the site is used in aggregate. | 2 years |
| _ga_<container-id> | Google Analytics | Analytics | Persists session state for Google Analytics 4. | 2 years |
| zld<id>state | Zoho SalesIQ | Functionality | Remembers whether the chat widget is open or minimised. | 5 minutes |
| zld<id>dragpos | Zoho SalesIQ | Functionality | Remembers where you've moved the chat widget on the page. | 5 minutes |
| _zldp | Zoho SalesIQ | Analytics | Identifies you as a unique visitor so we can track engagement and provide continuity in live chat conversations. | 2 years |
Changing your mind
You can change your cookie choice at any time using the "Cookie settings" link in the footer of any page, which reopens the consent banner so you can accept or decline again.
Questions
If you have questions about this policy, contact us at hello@skillsmarketing.co.uk.
This policy is provided for transparency and doesn't constitute legal advice. Last updated August 2026.