MANY local businesses joined the Ballymena Business Improvement District and Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry to hear how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) changes will affect them.

With the Regulation coming in to force on 25^th May 2018, it gives people more access rights and protection. Businesses will have to ensure that information collected for specified explicit and legitimate purposes are only used for that manner and that they can demonstrate they are adhering to the principles of the regulation.

Local business men and women pictured at the GDPR workshop, (LtoR) Karen Hill, Advance Engineering,  David McKinney, McKinneys, Eunice Campbell, Diamond Recruitment,  Sarah Hewson, BBM, Rodney Kernohan, Gazelle Communications.

Mark Raine from Prestige HR said, “The General Data Protection Regulation will have an impact on every organisation holding personal data. Companies need to review their current procedures and update them to comply with the new Regulation and ensure they have the relevant policies in place in order to deal with the collection of data on individuals. It is important they know how it is managed, identify any area where a possible breach may occur and know what the data is used for. Action must be taken now to ensure that companies are ready for the 25^th May.”

Andy Storey, BID Chairman, said “This Regulation will affect all, if not most organisations. It principally protects people, giving them more access rights and protection and increases privacy levels. I’ve no doubt that this is a challenging topic but Mark Raine has shed some light on what action businesses must take. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber for organising this event as well as thank Mark for sharing his expertise. This was a very valuable workshop.”

Organisations who do not comply with the GDPR may face heavy fines of up to 4% of annual global turnover or €20 million (whichever is greatest), which is why it is important that all businesses know where to receive the help and support to deal with the changes.

Ronan McCann, President of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry commented, “Today’s event has ensured local businesses, in addition to myself, are better informed as well as having a better understanding of what actions we need to take going forward regarding the General Data Protection Regulation. These legislative changes will have many ramifications for businesses and it is imperative that the requisite procedures are applied in advance of the 25^th May.”