Basingstoke: GDPR still 'major concern' for many businesses, says agency
GDPR managed service specialist The Data Support Agency claims that with just weeks to go until the May 25 compliance deadline for GDPR, many small businesses in the UK still don’t know how to get started on their compliance journey.
“We’ve spoken to hundreds of owners and managers of small businesses over the past few months,” said Nicola Hartland, chief executive of Basingstoke-based The Data Support Agency. “Everyone knows that they have to do something, but it’s a huge concern that many people still don’t even know how to get started.”
Hartland set up The Data Support Agency to provide a GDPR solution specifically for small businesses. The managed service includes access to an online portal that provides guidance through all the stages required to achieve and maintain compliance. Complementing the personalised dashboard is UK-based phone support that gives customers access to a team of GDPR certified experts.
“We don’t have the resources to employ a full-time data support officer; we have no time or inclination to become experts in data protection either – it’s not our core business,” said Andrea Wilcox, managing director of Resonates, a PR agency and client of The Data Support Agency. “The relationship we have with The Data Support Agency is similar to our accountants, bookkeepers and HR specialists. We outsource all of these functions to get the most cost-effective access to the expertise we need to run our business. With GDPR, I see data support as another area where we need outside help, and The Data Support Agency offers a very affordable solution.”
The Data Support Agency provides access to its managed services through a monthly subscription, which starts at £100 per month. The service is designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses and includes the tools, templates and expert advice that enable organisations to achieve and maintain GDPR compliance.