The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been described as one of the most important changes in data privacy regulation for 20 years.

It comes into force in May, 2018, setting out a legal framework for the control of personal data and businesses ignore it at their peril. For the regulation includes potentially massive penalties for businesses and organisations who fail to comply.

To help businesses understand GDPR and prepare for its implementation, Tayntons, the biggest Gloucester-based law firm, is hosting a free event which will be open to all businesses at Dr Fosters Liquor Co., at Gloucester Docks on September 14 at 4pm.

It is being held in partnership with Optimising IT, the information security consultancy, and Quayside St James' Place Wealth Management.

Chris Price, (pictured) staff partner at Tayntons, explained: "One of the things we are very keen on at Tayntons, as part of reinforcing and building the commercial side of our business, is to ensure that commercial clients are aware of issues on the horizon that are likely to affect their business.

"So it is not just about providing legal advice as and when people need it, but effectively looking ahead in terms of potential issues coming up in the future that business owners (whether we deal with them or not) need to be aware of.

"One of the biggest things on the horizon at the moment is GDPR or the General Data Protection Regulation. A lot of people in the first instance when they hear about GDPR are not quite sure what it is about and wonder whether it will affect their business.

"The reality is that it is coming into force on the 25 May, 2018 and we need to make sure that businesses are aware of what it means and are prepared for it and able to deal with it."

He added: "The implications of it for a business and anyone who therefore holds personal information in relation to an individual are quite significant if they get it wrong.

"The rules are very strict and the penalties very severe if you do not comply. Effectively, if you are in a business or involved in an organisation which holds personal data (and that also includes clubs and charities) then the GDPR is probably going to affect you.

"You will need to make sure that you have taken sufficient steps to ensure that the information you hold on individuals is protected."

The free event at Dr Fosters will explain the implications of GDPR and what action businesses need to take. It will also cover cyber security and provide an opportunity for networking.

Chris Price said: "The most obvious issue for business people is that they need to make sure they are aware of what records they hold for individuals, where those records are held, who has access to those records and really to do a review of their own systems and processes in terms of who could find that information and who is going to manage it."

The easy mistake of sending an email to the wrong person is a frightening example of what could go wrong under GDPR.

"It means I could breach your confidentiality, you could report me to the Information Commission and fines for companies could be up to four per cent of turnover. So that is absolutely massive," said Chris.

"Businesses and organisations will need to have good policies and procedures in place and that is where the employment department at Tayntons can help."

Tayntons is a leading solicitors' practice with offices in Clarence Street, Gloucester.

For further information, telephone 01452 522047, email info@tayntons.co.uk or visit www.tayntons.co.uk