With a year to go until the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into law, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging businesses to start preparing to ensure that they are compliant with the legislation when it comes into force.
From 25 May 2018, all businesses that hold personal data will have to guarantee that their data procedures are fit for purpose and compliant with the new regulation.
While the GDPR is an EU-initiative, the UK government has already made it clear that the legislation will still take effect in the UK after Brexit. Businesses that are found to be non-compliant risk fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual worldwide turnover.
Chambers of Commerce around the country are urging their members to start taking the necessary preparations to ensure they are ready for the regulation.
David Riches, Executive Director at the BCC, said:“Businesses need to be proactive about ensuring they are ready for the new data protection regulations when they come into force this time next year, and not leave preparations until the eleventh hour. Those firms that don’t fulfil the necessary responsibilities leave themselves vulnerable to tough penalties, not to mention public scrutiny.”
We agree. This is a major piece of legislation that affects just about every company in the country.
Bowe Digital specialises in keeping data secure as we offer a range of IT solutions that can help companies streamline their manufacturing processes in everything from quality control to stock management.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
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