Bee Local Platform Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of terms, technologies, and concepts used throughout the Bee Local platform. Our commitment to transparency means explaining every term clearly.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology
Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. On Bee Local, we use AI responsibly to enhance user experience.
How we use AI: We use OpenAI's GPT-4o and Perplexity AI to generate business descriptions, provide content suggestions, and power our intelligent chatbot. All AI-generated content is clearly labeled.
ChatBot AI Tool
An automated conversational assistant powered by artificial intelligence that can understand and respond to user questions in natural language. Our chatbot helps users find businesses and navigate the platform.
Example: You can ask our chatbot "Find me organic farms near London" and it will understand your request, search our database, and provide relevant business listings with explanations.
GPT-4o AI Model
A large language model developed by OpenAI that can understand and generate human-like text. We use GPT-4o to create business descriptions, analyze content, and provide intelligent suggestions to improve business listings.
Transparency note: When you see content marked as "AI-generated" on business listings, it was created using GPT-4o based on the business's official information from Companies House.
Perplexity AI AI Service
An AI search and content generation service that combines web search with language models to create accurate, up-to-date content. We use Perplexity to research and generate informative business descriptions.
How it works: When a business doesn't have a description, Perplexity AI researches the company using official sources and creates an informative summary that appears on their listing page.
Business & Marketplace Terms
Vendor Business Role
A business owner who sells products through our multi-vendor marketplace. Vendors can list up to 50 products, set delivery zones, and manage orders through their dedicated dashboard. They pay £150/year for marketplace access.
Example: A local organic farm that lists their seasonal vegetables, sets delivery to specific postcodes, and processes customer orders through our platform is a marketplace vendor.
Multi-Vendor Marketplace Platform Feature
An online platform where multiple independent sellers (vendors) can list and sell their products to customers. Our marketplace focuses on local produce, local services, and pre-loved items from UK businesses.
Key features: Product browsing, shopping cart with £50 minimum orders, secure payments via Stripe, delivery zone filtering, and vendor-specific storefronts.
Business User Account Type
A registered business owner who has claimed or created a business listing on Bee Local. Business users can manage their listing details, photos, contact information, and upgrade to premium or vendor services.
What they can do: Edit business information, upload photos, manage opening hours, respond to reviews, and access analytics about their listing performance.
Premium Listing Service Tier
An enhanced business listing that includes AI-generated custom websites, boosted search visibility, unlimited photo galleries, and access to advanced analytics. Premium listings cost £150/year.
Premium benefits: Custom AI-designed website, priority placement in search results, detailed visitor analytics, and professional business presentation.
Platform Features & Technology
Companies House API Data Source
The official UK government database of company information. We automatically import business data from Companies House to create comprehensive, accurate business listings with verified company details.
Data transparency: Business addresses, company numbers, incorporation dates, and SIC codes come directly from Companies House records, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance.
SIC Codes Classification
Standard Industrial Classification codes used by the UK government to categorize business activities. We use SIC codes to automatically categorize businesses into Local Services, Local Produce, or Pre-loved categories.
Example: SIC code 01110 indicates "Growing of cereals" which we automatically classify as "Local Produce" to help customers find farm businesses.
Stripe Payment System
A secure online payment processing service that handles all monetary transactions on our platform. Stripe ensures safe, encrypted payment processing for premium subscriptions and marketplace purchases.
Security: We never store your payment details. Stripe handles all sensitive financial information with bank-level security and PCI compliance.
PostgreSQL Database Data Storage
A robust, open-source database system that stores all platform data including business listings, user accounts, marketplace orders, and analytics. PostgreSQL ensures data reliability and performance.
Data protection: All data is encrypted, regularly backed up, and stored in compliance with UK GDPR regulations to protect your privacy and business information.
User Types & Roles
Customer User Type
General users who browse business listings, search for local services, shop in the marketplace, and leave reviews. Customers can create free accounts to save favorites and track order history.
Customer features: Advanced search, business favorites, order tracking, review system, and personalized recommendations based on location and preferences.
Administrator System Role
Platform administrators who manage system operations, moderate content, handle support requests, and maintain data quality. Admins ensure the platform runs smoothly and safely for all users.
Admin responsibilities: Verify business claims, moderate reviews, manage marketplace vendors, resolve disputes, and maintain platform security and performance.
Data & Privacy Terms
GDPR Compliance Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation is EU law that protects personal data. We fully comply with GDPR, giving you control over your data with rights to access, correct, delete, and export your information.
Your rights: You can request your data, ask for corrections, delete your account, or export all your information at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.
Cookies Web Technology
Small data files stored on your device that help the website remember your preferences and provide personalized experiences. We use essential, functional, analytics, and marketing cookies with your consent.
Cookie types: Essential (login status), Functional (search preferences), Analytics (usage statistics), and Marketing (relevant business suggestions). You control all non-essential cookies.