Be ready for the great data change in May

How businesses use data will undergo major transformation from May, and two free seminars with experts will run early next month at Puckrup Hall, near Tewkesbury, to equip firms to deal with the new approach brought about by a change in the law.

The two seminars will give practical and commercial advice to both business advisors and key senior business leaders so that they can prepare for the changes required by the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The importance of the need to keep up with the change in the law is highlighted by a survey from  data management firm PORT.im indicating that only 27 per cent of businesses believe that GDPR applies to what they do, in spite of the fact that 72 per cent say that they deal with personal data.

The first, for owners and directors of companies, will be held on Wednesday March 7 from 8am-10am. Speakers include Rob Cobley, data protection and handling expert with Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR), IT consultant Tony Betts and intellectual property expert Steven Murray from HCR, who will make sure that delegates are given all they need for their next steps towards GDPR compliance.

As well as practical advice, they also aim to give companies longer-term advice and support so that they can both benefit from the opportunities which GDPR will bring and manage their reputational and financial risk. This will include data mapping and specific advice on internal policies and documents like staff handbooks and contracts.

The second event, the following day on March 8, is aimed at business advisors, such as accountants, independent financial advisors and insurers. It will run from 7.30am-9.30am, and will feature Gordon Petrie from Augmentum addressing long-term organisational change, as well as practical advice and help from both Rob and Steven from HCR.

The aim of the session is to help advisors to support their clients with the right information and with practical ways forward. In each case, there will be a chance to ask questions and to talk to the experts.