BUSINESSES are being warned of major changes to the way personal data is handled – and hefty fines if they fail to comply.

From May, firms of all sizes face new regulations as legal requirements governing data are overhauled.

And companies which breach the rules could be fined up to 20 million euros.

Now Keighley-based Airedale Enterprise Services (AES) is running a course and training workshop to give companies a full understanding of the changes and their implications.

Sessions will be led by retired police superintendent, and data protection expert, Gary Baker.

He will cover the fundamentals of the Data Protection Act and how it applies to companies, and what the new so-called General Data Protection Regulation will mean.

Participants will learn how to ensure all data is handled legally so that breaches are prevented, but also what to do should a breach occur.

Wendy Spencer, AES chief executive officer, said: "These regulations apply to all businesses – small firms are not exempt.

"We would urge every business to ensure it is fully up to speed with data protection, and our courses offer a way of doing this."

Courses take place at the Quaker Meeting House, in Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, on Monday, February 26, and at AES, in Sunderland Street, Keighley, on Thursday, March 15.

Both run from 10am to 4.30pm and include lunch and refreshments. The cost is £195, plus VAT.

To book a place on either course, contact Lynne Henry on lynnehenry@airedaleenterprise.org.uk or 01535 607775.