1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently and to provide information to the website owner.
Cookies can be “session cookies”, which are deleted when you close your browser, or “persistent cookies”, which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on our websites:
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our websites to function properly. They enable core features such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as they are required for the website to operate.
2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our websites, such as which pages are visited most frequently and whether any error messages are displayed. All information collected is aggregated and anonymous. We use this data to improve the performance of our websites.
2.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow our websites to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language or region) and provide enhanced, personalised features. The information these cookies collect may be anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.
2.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies may be set through our websites by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other websites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and device.
3. Cookie Summary
The table below provides a summary of the cookies we use:
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration | Can Be Disabled? |
| Strictly Necessary | Core website functionality and security | Session / Persistent | No |
| Performance & Analytics | Website usage analysis and improvements | Up to 24 months | Yes |
| Functionality | Personalisation and user preferences | Up to 12 months | Yes |
| Targeting & Advertising | Interest-based advertising | Up to 12 months | Yes |
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our websites are set by third-party service providers, including but not limited to analytics platforms and advertising networks. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect or receive information from our websites and elsewhere on the internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target advertisements.
We do not have direct control over third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective privacy and cookie policies of those third parties for more information on how they use cookies.
5. Managing and Disabling Cookies
You have several options for managing your cookie preferences:
5.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically configure your browser to:
- Refuse all cookies
- Accept only certain types of cookies
- Notify you when a cookie is placed on your device
- Delete cookies that have already been set
Please note that restricting or disabling cookies may impact the functionality and performance of our websites. The method for managing cookies varies between browsers. Please refer to your browser’s help documentation for specific instructions.
5.2 Cookie Consent Tool
When you first visit our websites, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to select your cookie preferences. You may update your preferences at any time by accessing the cookie settings option available on our websites.
5.3 Opting Out of Analytics
If you wish to opt out of analytics tracking, you may install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout, or use similar opt-out mechanisms provided by other analytics service providers.
6. Consent
By continuing to use our websites without adjusting your browser settings and, where applicable, by accepting cookies via our consent banner, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this Cookie Policy.
Where cookies involve the processing of personal information, we process that information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the requirements of POPIA.
7. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact our Information Officer:
Information Officer
Barnes Group of Companies
Email: privacy@barnesgroup.co.za
Telephone: +27 11 398 2700
Postal Address: 4 Prevett Street, Spartan, Kempton Park, 1619
This Cookie Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) Compliant