Cookie Notice
This Cookie Notice explains how Sterling Edge uses cookies, session storage and similar technologies when you visit or use the website.
We currently use storage technologies that are necessary for basic website functionality, account access, session management and remembering certain choices you make while using Sterling Edge.
What are cookies and browser storage?
Cookies are small pieces of data that a website may store on your device through your browser.
Websites can also use technologies such as local storage and session storage. These perform similar functions but are managed directly by the browser rather than being sent with every request to the website.
These technologies can be used for purposes such as maintaining a signed-in session, remembering preferences or ensuring that website features operate correctly.
Essential storage used by Sterling Edge
Sterling Edge uses essential storage where it is required for the operation of the website.
This may include storage used for:
- maintaining a signed-in member session;
- recognising whether a user is authenticated;
- supporting account and membership functionality;
- remembering acknowledgement of the cookie notice;
- maintaining temporary interface or navigation states;
- protecting forms and website functionality;
- preserving temporary session information while you move between pages.
These technologies are used because certain parts of the website may not function correctly without them.
Account and session storage
If you create an account or sign in to Sterling Edge, the website may use a server-side session and an associated session cookie to recognise that you are authenticated.
This allows the website to maintain access to member-only content while you move between pages.
Session information is intended to support authentication and website functionality. It is not intended to create a detailed advertising profile of your browsing activity.
Remembering your cookie notice choice
When you acknowledge the cookie notice, Sterling Edge may store that choice in your browser so that the notice does not need to be displayed repeatedly on every page.
Removing browser storage or clearing your browser data may cause the notice to appear again.
Temporary session preferences
Some website functions may use browser session storage for temporary states that are relevant only while a browser tab or session remains open.
Session storage is normally removed automatically when the relevant browsing session ends, although behaviour can depend on browser settings.
Analytics and advertising trackers
Sterling Edge does not currently rely on non-essential analytics cookies or third-party advertising tracking technologies as part of the core website functionality described in this notice.
The fact that Sterling Edge is advertising-supported does not by itself mean that advertising cookies or tracking pixels are necessarily placed on your device.
If non-essential analytics, advertising pixels, remarketing technologies or similar tracking tools are introduced in the future, this Cookie Notice and the website's consent mechanism should be updated accordingly before those technologies are used where consent is required.
Third-party websites
Sterling Edge may contain links to websites operated by third parties, including advertisers, service providers or other external organisations.
If you follow a link to another website, that third party may use its own cookies or tracking technologies.
Sterling Edge does not control cookies placed by an independent third-party website after you leave Sterling Edge.
You should review the cookie and privacy information provided by the destination website if you want to understand how it handles your information.
Types of storage you may encounter
Strictly necessary cookies
These may be required for security, authentication and core website functionality.
Session storage
Session storage may temporarily remember information while you use the website or keep a browser tab open.
Local browser storage
Local storage may be used to remember limited preferences or whether you have already acknowledged a website notice.
How long information is stored
The duration depends on the type of technology being used.
- Session information may expire when your session ends or after a defined period of inactivity.
- Session storage is generally temporary and associated with the current browser session.
- Local storage may remain until it is removed by the website, expires through application logic or is cleared by you through your browser.
Managing cookies and browser storage
Most browsers allow you to view, block or delete cookies and other stored website data.
The available controls depend on the browser and device you use. They are usually available in sections relating to privacy, security, cookies or site data.
You may be able to:
- delete existing cookies;
- clear local or session storage;
- block cookies from particular websites;
- block third-party cookies;
- configure automatic deletion of browsing data.
Please note that blocking or deleting strictly necessary storage can affect website functionality. For example, you may be signed out or certain member features may stop working correctly.
Cookies and personal information
Some storage identifiers can be considered personal information or may become personal information when combined with other data.
Information processed in connection with accounts, forms and website operation is also addressed in our Privacy Policy .
Advertising-supported content
Sterling Edge is an advertising-supported website and may receive compensation when visitors interact with certain commercial offers, links, enquiries, registrations, subscriptions or purchases.
More information about the commercial model of the website can be found in our Advertising Disclosure .
Advertising support and browser tracking are separate issues. Commercial compensation does not necessarily require Sterling Edge itself to place advertising cookies on your device.
Changes to this Cookie Notice
Sterling Edge may update this Cookie Notice if the technologies used by the website change or if additional functionality is introduced.
In particular, the notice may need to be updated if Sterling Edge introduces analytics platforms, advertising pixels, social-media integrations or other non-essential third-party technologies.
Related information
This Cookie Notice should be read together with:
Questions about cookies
If you have a question about the storage technologies used by Sterling Edge, you can contact us through the website's contact page.