Talks from Geldards solicitors' Sophie Thring and Rachel Mills at the AM GDPR Conference will reveal that "GDPR is not all about marketing".

The pair will open the conference, held at the Hilton Doubletree, Milton Keynes, by providing a quick overview of GDPR which comes into force in May and will also give insight into the new role of data protection officer or DPO at the event on February 22.

Thring said: “We have hosted a number of workshops up and down the country and by far the majority of questions we receive concern marketing.

“This isn’t just something we are asked just by the automotive sector, but it is the preoccupation of pretty much all the businesses we speak to when discussing GDPR.

“This isn’t surprising as the regulations are focussed on personal data and this is intrinsically linked to marketing.

AM GDPR conference logo 2018

"However, businesses need to become more aware of how data is used in other areas of the business such as when arranging finance for customers and sharing data with third parties."

Thring said that dealers need to remember it doesn’t just apply to customers, but also to their own employees who have a right to know what personal data is held by the company and how it is used.

She said: “Dealers need to compile an inventory of all their data they hold, not just marketing all data but also any data relating to any employee records and data processed by a third party.

"Once dealers have done this, they will have a much better understanding to help they comply with the GDPR requirements so this is an important first step to take to ensure good compliance with the regulations.”

AM’s GDPR conference brings together legal experts, marketing gurus and IT professionals who will provide insights into the legislation, how it affects business and the preparations which need to be in place.

Acting as a ‘checklist’, the event is designed as a yardstick for dealers to ensure their processes and strategies are likely to stand up to rigorous scrutiny should the regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) come calling.

Tickets are still available for this ‘must attend’ conference for marketing managers and directors, compliance managers, IT chiefs and senior management who will ultimately be responsible for the application of GDPR in their business or group.

Dealers can book their place at the AM GDPR conference online.