When red tape can bring benefits for your business

WITH new regulations on data security (GDPR) coming into effect next month, I thought it would be an ideal time to reflect on some of the additional pressures that regulatory changes put on small businesses.

I must admit, it was not at the top of my list of fun things to tackle, but its importance should not be underestimated.

Most importantly, this is relevant to every business that holds personal data, even information held on manual filing systems.

When I set up Great Grounds in 1983, I clearly remember trying to resist regulatory change, hoping to find legitimate ways to save taking on any additional work when most of my time (when not landscaping grounds) was already taken up doing quotations, VAT and tax returns.

I soon came to realise that if I embraced change, unexpected benefits would often come from it.

I recently chaired a GM Chamber of Commerce Action for Business event in Cheadle where a great presentation was given on GDPR.

I must admit, before the event it was not a subject that I was particularly looking forward to hearing about, but I certainly realised the importance of the content that was about to be delivered.

Jonathan Nish from IT Lab, who are one of the GM Chamber Patrons, gave the presentation, putting a positive spin on the subject throughout, quoting some great examples of companies that have already got some unexpected benefits from embracing changes made as a result of GDPR.

This change in legislation gives an opportunity to look at the personal data that you are holding and re-assess if you actually need the information.

The simple message was that if the data has no benefit to your organisation, then don’t keep it.

The less you keep, the easier the process will be and the less you will need to update.

A positive approach to change undoubtedly brings potential for positive outcomes by providing new opportunities for small businesses to grow and prosper.

More information on GDPR can be found on the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website www.ico. org.uk Search GDPR guide.

As always, feel free to Tweet me @Tony_Millar with your views.