28218 SCC_FOCUS Summer pages LOW RES

PATRONS NEWS
THE MAGAZINE FOR BUSINESS LEADERS, MOVERS & SHAKERS
29
GDPR is here but Staffordshire businesses are
urged to avoid complacency
Now that the implementation date for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has passed, leading
audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, is urging Staffordshire companies to continue to implement the changes
required to help mitigate substantial financial and reputational risks arising from issues of non-compliance.
The new legal framework, which
came into force on 25 May 2018, is
the biggest change to data privacy
legislation in over two decades. Its
aim is to protect personal data,
regardless of borders or where the
data is processed. It has harmonised
data protection laws across the EU
and applies to organisations across
the world. Any company processing
personal data about EU citizens -
whether they reside in the EU or
elsewhere in the world – now need to
abide by the GDPR legislation.
David Morris, Technology Risk
Assurance Director at RSM, said: “In
a growing digital economy, where
data can be collected and stored
within seconds, there is more risk of
cyber security breaches. The GDPR
legislation acknowledges this and is
an attempt to make governance catch
up with technology. Paradoxically, it at
the same time adds a wider range of
risks and consequence to organisations
that don’t effectively safeguard
personal data. The regulations have
already transformed how businesses
approach the storage, management
and use personal data.
“If they have not already done so,
Staffordshire businesses need to put
processes and controls in place to
ensure a strong environment of data
security and privacy is implemented.
“However, initial compliance is just
the first step. Companies need to
ensure they manage their on-going
risk through activities such as keeping
data registers updated, conducting
annual data protection audits and
providing regular refresher training
sessions for staff. This will not only
improve efficiencies, but it will
maintain awareness of GDPR across
the business.
“In the coming months, as public
knowledge of the new rules beds in,
organisations can expect to receive
the first of a wave of subject access
requests (SAR) where an individual
asks to know what personal data is
being held about them and where.
However, a business that doesn’t know
what data it has and in what form is
going to be unable to respond quickly.
The importance of knowing your
own data footprint therefore remains
undiminished.
“GDPR means that marketing to clients
and customers has changed. Without
appropriate consent, businesses will
already be finding that their ability to
market and sell products and services
is hindered. Failing to adhere to the
legislation will undoubtedly impact the
bottom line for some organisations in
the short term.
“Staffordshire businesses need to
make sure they avoid complacency
now the legislation has arrived in order
to avoid the operational, financial and
reputational risks that non-compliance
will now bring.”
A sad farewell
Staffordshire Chambers extends its sympathies to all
relatives and friends of former President, William Podmore
OBE, who died on Thursday 1 March 2018, aged 99.
William (Bill) served as President of the North Staffordshire
Chamber from 1973 to 1975 and was also the chambers’
landlord for several years whilst based at Winton House.
As well as having his own engineering and property
businesses, Bill will be remembered for the construction
of marvellous landscaped gardens at his home at Consall
Hall. He inherited former mining land and spent 50
years converting the old pit site into a breath taking new
creation with views over lakes, woodland and castle ruins.
The gardens extend over 70 acres and feature six lakes,
and were once described by Gardeners World Presenter
Carol Klein, as ‘the jewel in the crown of Staffordshire
Gardens’.