DATA PROTECTION was on the menu at the first of The Resident’s monthly TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Friday!) lunches.
The event, held on January 26 at the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra, was attended by many Algarve entrepreneurs, who heard Roy Whitehouse of WIS International speak about Data Protection: Being aware of your obligations, which explained how and what kind of information can be retained by their business about others. He gave a comprehensive overview of the situation and communicated clearly and concisely about what to be aware when dealing with data in the workplace.
The Data Protection Act was implemented in1998 across the EU, but many people were still unclear as to how it affects their business. Mr Whitehouse explained how, in Portugal, the Commisão Nacional de Protecção de Dados (CNPD), the national commission for data protection, is the regulating and licensing body and he outlined the rules businesses must adhere to in order to escape penalty.
Those in attendance were shocked to find out that if they were not licensed correctly it could result in up to two years in prison. Mr Whitehouse answered questions and explained the different ways that the Data Protection Act affects the types of business and the various exemptions and rights for businesses in the Algarve.
The presentation also covered information that cannot be processed, such as political beliefs, religion, race or sexual orientation, stating that everyone must endeavour to attain professional secrecy in the workplace.
Unique opportunity
Sheena Rawcliffe, managing director of The Resident, thanked everyone for attending and welcomed Christopher Barton, chief executive officer of the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Linda Smith from Network, the businesswomens association in the Algarve, both of whom were present to speak with attendees after the three course lunch served at the Raj Restaurant.
The TGIF lunches will continue throughout the year and, although they are aimed at the business person in the Algarve, The Resident encourages and welcomes anyone who is interested to attend. The occasion offers a unique opportunity for good networking, professionally and personally, and to learn about issues that affect the way in which you do business.
The topics are biased towards doing business in the Algarve with forthcoming topics including, Insurance for Business, Making That Important Sale and Health, Safety and Hygiene at Work. The lunches will be held on the fourth Friday of each month with the exception of July, August and September. The February event will be on February 23, where Steve Rogers, of Blacktower Financial Management Ltd, will be the speaking about Equity Release and Home Reversion. This could be an ideal opportunity for you to make new contacts and clients for your business.
To book a place for February’s lunch, which costs 24 euros, please email [email protected] or call 282 342 936. Don’t forget to state how many you are booking for and their names.
