Seminar assist SMEs to get ready for the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Thursday 19th April saw a great turn out of small and medium size business owners attending the General Data Protection Regulations Seminar in the Parkview Hotel, organized by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow.
The data protection landscape in Europe is being overhauled with the introduction of the GDPR, which will come into force on 25 May 2018. Business and organisations will need to review and update their operational, administrative and technical measures in relation to data protection in order to adequately prepare for the Regulation. Guest speaker Ruth Hallinan informed the participants of the changes in the data protection legislation and what they need to do now to prepare.
The main threat associated with GDPR is the deadline, which is fast approaching, because non-compliance by the 25 May 2018 could lead to a maximum fine of 4% of global turnover of the preceding year or €20m, whichever is the highest! This seminar was organized with support from the Enterprise European Network, which is the world's largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and helps Irish companies to make the most of business and technology opportunities in the EU and other major global markets.
Speaking about GDPR, Wicklow Head of Enterprise, Sheelagh Daly said “Local Enterprises need to be GDPR ready from 25th May and need to start preparing now. GDPR places onerous accountability obligations on enterprises to demonstrate compliance with many companies having extensive work to complete ahead of the introduction date. Through this seminar Local Enterprise Office Wicklow aims to inform Sole Traders and small business owners of the changes in the legislation and provide assistance towards becoming GDPR ready”
