Get ready for GDPR, lawyer urges businesses

A Shrewsbury employment solicitor is urging businesses across the region to make sure they’re ready to meet crucial new data protection laws after delivering a series of free workshops. 

In partnership with the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Paul Bennett from Aaron & Partners LLP has been delivering seminars on the changes coming into force from May 25, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

The latest workshop – his third in seven months – was hosted at the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce conference room with more than 100 businesses from across Shropshire in attendance. 

Paul said: "GDPR comes into play from May 25 and one of the things we've recognised from delivering these workshops is that a significant number of businesses in this region – and across the country for that matter – still aren't quite sure what they need to do. If you are a business owner and your business handles personal data, then you need to review your usage and update your policies and procedures.  

"There are some really serious implications for businesses that don't get their data handling and protection policies up-to-date, with potential fines of up to four per cent of annual turnover or €20 million – whichever is greater. 

"We've been running these sessions with the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce to offer the whole of the Shropshire business community some practical tips and advice on GDPR to help them understand what changes they need to implement. 

“All of the seminars have been hugely popular and really well received but with less than two weeks to go until May 25, we’re urging businesses across Shropshire to act now before it’s too late.” 

With an office in Shrewsbury at Oxon Business Park, a team of solicitors at Aaron & Partners has been helping businesses of all shapes and sizes across Shropshire prepare for GDPR. 

The new laws apply to any business that holds the personal data of EU citizens and the Information Commissioner’s Office is overseeing the changes in the UK.