PRIVACY POLICY
How we handle your personal data
We are a long established company and we pride ourselves on the responsible handling of the data we are trusted with. We use industry leading technology to keep your information as safe as we can.
Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how The Business Refinery Limited trading as Original Dating (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our websites, attend our events, or interact with us.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data transparently and securely in accordance with UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who we are
Original Dating is a UK singles events company organising speed dating, parties and social events.
Data Controller: The Business Refinery Limited
Email: info@originaldating.com
Website: https://www.originaldating.com
The information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
Information you provide directly
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Date of birth or age
• Gender
• Location or city preferences
• Booking and ticket information
• Messages or customer service enquiries
• Event feedback or profile details
Information collected automatically
• IP address
• Device and browser information
• Website usage data
• Cookies and analytics information
Information obtained from third parties or business transfers
Where we acquire or merge with another events or dating business, we may securely receive customer data as part of that transaction.
For example, if you previously registered with or attended events run by a brand that becomes part of Original Dating (such as MySpeedDate), your information may be transferred to us so we can continue providing similar services.
This may include:
• name
• email
• age or date of birth
• gender
• city preferences
• marketing preferences
• event attendance history
We do not buy unrelated third-party marketing lists.
How we use your information
We use your personal data to:
• process event bookings and payments
• manage your account or attendance
• provide customer support
• send booking confirmations and event information
• personalise events to your location or preferences
• send marketing communications about similar events
• improve our services and website
• comply with legal or regulatory obligations
• prevent fraud or misuse
We only use your information where we have a lawful basis to do so.
Our lawful bases for processing
Under UK GDPR, we rely on:
Contract
To provide services you have booked or requested.
Consent
For marketing emails or optional communications.
Legitimate Interests
To operate and grow our events business, including:
• informing customers about similar events
• transferring data following a business acquisition
• improving our services
• maintaining customer records
We always balance these interests against your privacy rights.
Legal obligation
To comply with tax, accounting or regulatory requirements.
Marketing communications
If you sign up for updates, book an event, or previously registered with one of our brands, we may send you emails about relevant singles events and services.
This may include communications following a business acquisition where your previous provider has become part of Original Dating.
Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link.
You can opt out at any time.
We never sell your data to third parties for marketing.
Business acquisitions and brand transfers
From time to time, Original Dating may acquire or merge with other dating or events brands.
Where this happens:
• customer data may be securely transferred to us
• we become the new data controller
• we only use the data to provide similar services
• your rights remain unchanged
You will be informed of such changes where legally required.
Sharing your information
We only share data where necessary.
We may share information with:
• payment processors
• email marketing providers
• ticketing systems
• event hosts (only essential details)
• IT and hosting providers
• professional advisers
• regulators or authorities if legally required
All providers are required to keep your data secure and confidential.
We never sell personal data.
International transfers
Where service providers are located outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect your data.
How long we keep your data
We only keep personal data for as long as necessary.
Typical retention periods:
• marketing contacts – until you unsubscribe or after years of inactivity
• bookings and payments – up to 6 years (legal/accounting reasons)
• customer support enquiries – up to 2 years
• analytics data – anonymised where possible
Data is securely deleted or anonymised once no longer required.
Your rights
You have the right to:
• access your personal data
• correct inaccurate information
• request deletion
• restrict processing
• object to processing
• withdraw consent
• request data portability
• complain to the ICO
If we obtained your data through a business acquisition rather than directly from you, you may also ask where we obtained it.
To exercise your rights, contact: info@originaldating.com
Cookies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
• remember preferences
• analyse traffic
• improve performance
• support marketing
You can control cookies through your browser settings.
Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including:
• secure servers
• encrypted connections (HTTPS)
• restricted staff access
• trusted service providers
No system is 100% secure, but we take reasonable steps to safeguard your data.
Third-party links
Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
Children
Our events and services are intended for adults only. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with the updated date.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this policy or your data:
Email: info@originaldating.com
Website: https://www.originaldating.com
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk
The Data Manager
Original Dating
Unit 1 The Mews, 6 Putney Common
London
SW15 1HL
Complaints
You have the right to complain about our processing to the Information Commissioner if you believe we are not processing your data in a proper manner - see https://ico.org.uk/concerns/handling/ for more information.