Last updated 14 August 2026
Cookie policy
This page lists every cookie and similar technology used on researchbench.co.uk, what each one does, and how to control them. We keep the list short deliberately, and we update this page when it changes.
ResearchBench uses essential cookies required for the site to function and to keep it secure, caching cookies set by our hosting layer, Google Analytics 4 cookies to measure how the site is used, and Zendesk cookies which are only set if you open the live chat. We do not use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.
Full list
The cookies we use
| Cookie or technology | Purpose | Set by | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session and security cookies | Keep the site functioning and protect against abuse | researchbench.co.uk | Session |
| LiteSpeed / CDN caching | Serve pages quickly and consistently | Hosting layer | Up to 7 days |
_ga, _ga_<id> | Google Analytics 4 — measures pages viewed, referrers and quote-form submissions, in aggregate | Up to 2 years | |
| Zendesk chat cookies | Maintain a live chat conversation. Only set if you click the chat button — no Zendesk code loads otherwise | Zendesk | Varies; session to 1 year |
The chat widget is not loaded when you open a page. Nothing from Zendesk runs, and no Zendesk cookie is set, unless you click the chat button. That is deliberate — it keeps pages fast and keeps third-party code off the site for people who do not want it.
Not on this site
What we do not use
Google Analytics
Analytics, and what we actually look at
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand which pages are read, which are ignored, where visitors arrive from, and how many people request a quote. It tells us whether a guide is worth writing and whether the site works — nothing more.
IP addresses are anonymised by Google Analytics 4 by default and we do not enable any advertising features, audience sharing or Google Signals. We cannot identify you from analytics data, and we do not attempt to.
Your options
How to control cookies
Blocking essential cookies may stop parts of the site working. Blocking analytics or chat cookies will not affect anything you can see.
Updates
Changes to this page
If we add or remove anything that sets a cookie, we update this page and change the date at the top. This page was last changed on 14 August 2026, when Google Analytics 4 and the Zendesk live chat widget were added and disclosed here.
Our privacy policy sets out what personal data we hold, why, and your rights over it. If anything is unclear, email us and a person will answer.
Read the privacy policyCommon questions
Answers before you ask
Do you use advertising cookies?
No. There are no advertising cookies, retargeting pixels or cross-site trackers on this site, and we do not sell or share data collected through cookies.
Does the live chat set cookies before I use it?
No. The Zendesk script is not loaded at all until you click the chat button. If you never click it, no Zendesk code runs and no Zendesk cookie is set.
Can I use the site with cookies blocked?
Yes, apart from essential cookies. Analytics and chat can be blocked entirely without affecting anything you can read or any form you can submit.
How do I opt out of Google Analytics?
Use Google's official browser opt-out add-on, or block analytics cookies in your browser settings. Both prevent collection.
Send the data. Get a fixed quote.
Attach your dataset or just describe the project. A named statistician replies with a price and a deadline, usually within one working day.