Clearview National September 2019 - Issue 214 | Page 80

BUSINESSNEWS TURBULENT TIMES AT BRITISH AIRWAYS WITH PROSPECT OF RECORD £183 MILLION GDPR FINE » » THE INFORMATION Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has informed British Airways and its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), that it plans to issue a record fine of £183.39 million following a sizeable breach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine, which will eclipse the previous record of Google’s £44 million penalty, relates to a cyber-attack last year. The data breach saw website users directed to a fraudulent site, where customer details were harvested. In total, over 500,000 customers were affected with login, payment card, and travel booking details as well as the name and address information all compromised. Explaining the proposed fine, Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said: “People’s personal data is just that – personal. When an organisation fails to protect it from loss, damage or theft it is more than an inconvenience. “That’s why the law is clear – when you are entrusted with personal data you must look after it. Those that don’t will face scrutiny from my office to check they have taken appropriate steps to protect fundamental privacy rights.” While BA Chairman, Alex Cruz says he is “surprised and disappointed” by the decision, Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of IAG commented: “British Airways will be making representations to the ICO in relation to the proposed fine. We intend to take all appropriate steps to defend the airline’s position vigorously, including making any necessary appeals.” Whilst the fine is the equivalent of 1.5% of BA’s worldwide turnover in 2017, it could be far worse with a maximum fine of 4% of annual global turnover available to the ICO. Jade Greenhow, Operations Director at Insight Data comments: “This record fine clearly shows the ICO will not stand by as businesses brazenly disregard GDPR compliance. It’s a message the window industry needs to hear as many think they are too small to avoid the cross hairs of the ICO. In fact, it’s never been so important to ensure your business complies. “At Insight Data, we work with businesses across the supply chain to provide a cost- effective and compliant solution which allows them to stay on the right side of GDPR, whilst still effectively marketing to prospective customers.” For more information on GDPR compliance, contact Insight Data on 01934 808293 or via email at [email protected] Better finance options for ‘best products’ » » BRITELITE WINDOWS partners with Consumer Credit Solutions to enhance its customer finance offering. Britelite Windows has partnered with Consumer Credit Solutions to offer finance to its customers. The Maidstone- based business has been a leading installer across the South East of England for over 45 years, and has a strong record in supplying the best products available at highly competitive prices. Britelite has offered finance for many years but took the decision to work with CCS in a bid to make their credit offering stronger and more straightforward for customers. Simon Bourn, Managing Director of Britelite Windows, explained, “Today’s customers expect payment options to be provided, and it’s really important that you can offer finance from a reputable lender. CCS has ensured that we continue to have a first-rate credit strategy with all the key finance products in place - buy now pay later and low rate monthly finance over 10 or 15 years, which works well for larger purchases such as our conservatories and loggias.” Alex McCulloch, CCS Sales Director, added, “This has been a great opportunity to work 80 » SE P 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M with Britelite and to support their business growth objectives. In addition to providing competitive pricing, we’re helping them to maximise their credit sales strategy so that finance continues to increase enquires, sales and order values. We’ve also introduced our eChoice of Funding system, which makes it simpler and easier to present finance to customers, and helps the business comply with FCA regulation. “Training is also an integral part of our service, and we’ve put an ongoing training programme in place for Britelite so their sales representatives have both a detailed understanding of their finance offering and feel confident when discussing credit with customers.” » » CONSUMER CREDIT Solutions was founded in 1999 and is the UK’s largest independent facilitator of point-of-sale credit to the home improvement sector. CCS offers a wide range of finance products in partnership with leading ‘blue-chip’ lenders, and has a wide customer base ranging from independent retailers through to national brands, including: Hammonds, Britelite, and Jacuzzi. As part of its credit management service, the CCS team delivers business advice and training in sales and credit application completion. CCS manages around £1million a day in finance applications. creditsolutionsgroup.co.uk www.britelitewindows.co.uk