What are cookies?

Cookies are harmless text files that web servers can store on your computer's hard drive, smart phone or other device when you visit a website. They allow the server to recognise you when you revisit. There are two main types:

  • Transient (or per-session) cookies. These only exist for the duration of your site visit and are deleted on exit. They recognise you as you move between pages
  • Persistent (or permanent) cookies - These are cookies, which remain on your device after you have visited our website. eg if you use check the 'remember my details’ option. Persistent cookies help us identify you as a unique visitor; they do not contain information that could be used to identify you to another person

At Paragon, we use both types of cookie.

Additionally, cookies can be first or third-party cookies. First-party cookies are owned and created by the website you're viewing. Third-party cookies are owned and created by an independent company, usually a company providing a service to the owners of the website.

What we use cookies for

Our sites use cookies to distinguish you from other users. This helps us to provide you with a better online experience. We also use Google and Google Search Network, to utilise cookies for remarketing purposes. We use this information to make our website, marketing and advertising more relevant to your interests.

There are two types of cookies that we use:

  • Tracking (transient) cookies – These help us with statistics for who is using / visiting our sites
  • Login (persistent) cookies – These are required for users that need to log in to services provided by the site

Whilst you are under no obligation to accept our cookies, certain logging features on our websites may not work efficiently if you choose to delete them. This may result in a loss of convenience.

Changing your cookie settings

To enable or disable cookies, follow the instructions provided by your browser (usually located within the 'Help', 'Tools' or 'Edit' facility).

Secure online services

Any secure online services you subscribe to may use cookies to enable information about you and your preferences to be stored and to prevent unauthorised access to your services and information.