Compare Builders is run by Compare Data Group Ltd, the controller of your information. We verify everyone on the platform before they can quote or post a job, so we check your details against trusted sources and our verification partners. We do this to provide the service under our contract with you and for our legitimate interest in running a trusted, verified-only marketplace. We do not rely on your consent for these checks, so they stay reliable for everyone. We only share your details with the people who need them, such as a verification partner or the verified counterparty you are matched with. You have rights over your information, including to access it and object to some uses.
›What we collect and check
The details you give us at sign up and during verification. For builders this includes identity (a photo ID and a live capture of your face, which you can give to our identity verification partner, Plaid, or Credas if we use it instead) and right to work, company and registration details (including officers and persons with significant control), VAT registration, financial standing (a commercial credit report on a limited company), insurance, trade-body memberships, and portfolio and public reviews. For homeowners this includes identity (a photo ID and a live capture of your face, which you can give to our identity verification partner if we offer you our online check), contact details and that the job relates to a property you are connected to.
›Why we use it, and our legal basis
To verify accounts, match jobs to verified builders, run the quoting process, keep the marketplace safe and meet our legal duties. Our lawful bases are performing our contract with you and our legitimate interests in a trusted marketplace. Where a use is genuinely optional, such as marketing or optional add-ons, we ask for your consent separately and you can withdraw it at any time.
›Future checks
We may add further checks in future where they help keep the marketplace safe and trustworthy. We will update this notice and tell you before we introduce any new check.
›Who we share it with
Our verification partners, who act on our instructions, including Plaid, our identity verification partner, if you verify your identity online, or Credas (part of Creditsafe) if we use it instead: it receives your name, contact details and our reference, takes a photo of your ID document and a live capture of your face from you directly, and we keep only the result; the verified counterparty you are matched with (a homeowner's contact details go only to the tradesperson they appoint, and on jobs we estimate at over £150k the tradespeople a homeowner picks to quote also receive the address, for a site visit our team arranges); AI providers who help us estimate project costs, who receive project details and uploads only, never your name or contact details; Plaid, an account information service provider authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, if you choose to verify your budget with your bank, in which case you give your open-banking consent to Plaid, we receive only the answer and we keep no balance; and other Compare Data Group services or providers where we explain a separate basis for doing so. We do not sell your information.
›How long we keep it
For as long as your account is active, and for a set period afterwards so we can meet our legal and audit duties. The periods are set out in our retention schedule, for example financial records kept for six years to meet tax and company-law duties.
›Your rights and how to complain
You can ask for a copy of your information, ask us to correct it, object to some uses, and ask us to delete it where it applies. You can complain to us directly and we will respond, and you can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. Contact us at privacy@comparedatagroup.com.