ONE of the country’s leading law firms is to hold a seminar to educate East Lothian business leaders on the complexities of a strict new data protection legislation.

The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May is likely to be an important consideration for organisations across the country.

It gives consumers greater control over their own details, as it allows people to demand to know what information is held about them, who it has been passed to and for what purpose the information is used.

Gilson Gray is hosting a ‘Prepare for GDPR Compliance’ seminar in conjunction with cyber security specialists, Inspired by Technology, on Wednesday, March 21, at Maitlandfield House Hotel in Haddington.

Expert speakers will discuss the practical measures to put in place so that businesses understand GDPR requirements and don’t run the risk of being non-compliant.

Graham Millar, Partner Head of Employment at Gilson Gray, is one of the event’s speakers and said: “GDPR is something every organisation in the country should be paying close attention to, yet most are unaware of the legislation, despite it coming into force in just a few months.

“The majority of people think it’s a concern only for big business but all firms, from hairdressers to car garages hold data, so need to be thinking about GDPR.

“Our talk in Haddington will be great for businesses across East Lothian to learn what they must do to protect themselves against hefty GDPR fines.”

GDPR comes into force on May 25, breaches can lead to a significant fine – either a maximum of €20million or four per cent of global turnover.

Experts are also warning that it could also lead to a rise in the number of people making compensation claims for breaches of privacy.

Gilson Gray is actively working with clients, businesses and regulatory bodies to ensure they are ready for GDPR.

The exclusive free event starts at 9.30am. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/prepare-for-gdpr-compliance-tickets-43654393466

Gilson Gray is based in Glasgow (160 West George Street) and Edinburgh (29 Rutland Square) and has a radical client-focused strategy.

The Firm recently landed Most Outstanding Full-Service Law Firm 2017 – Scotland by Corporate Excellence Awards and six awards at the ACQ5 legal awards – the third year in a row that Gilson Gray has seen success – including Law Firm of the Year, Managing Partner of the Year and Insolvency Lawyer of the Year, all for the second time in three years.