Benham Publishing Businesss Magazines February 2014 | Page 26

CoverFeature On shifting sands understanding the legal challenges presented by social media There are very few businesses nowadays that do not use the wide ranging benefits of social media to increase sales. Whereas 20 years ago, most businesses were limited to local newspapers or radio to raise their profile, today the market is potentially limitless via social platforms, of which there are hundreds, most of them free. However, there can be legal issues arising from something as widely used as social media, particularly in relation to employment law where the lines between the workplace and an individual’s personal life can become increasing hazy. That has certainly been the experience of staff at Ramsdens Solicitors, an award-winning Legal 500recommended with offices in Halifax, Wakefield and Huddersfield. Gareth Dando, Associate Solicitor at Ramsdens, said: “The importance of social media cannot be overestimated. Getting your social strategy in place and ensuring you have the right ‘spokespeople’ for your business will create your own audience that you can talk to as often as you like about whatever you want and that’s the beauty of social media. 26 CLOSEUP Winter 2013