Many of us have only recently cottoned on to the administrative maelstrom of post-Brexit reality. Contrary to our expectations, we still can’t see our desktops for paperwork and we’re asking with one voice the not-unreasonable question, “How did we end up here?”
Aside from the deluge of largely unwelcome new paperwork, Brexit has brought many changes to the UK’s business landscape, including changes to data protection laws, compliance regulations, and cross-border trade agreements. For businesses in London, these changes have significantly impacted their IT operations, with many struggling to navigate the new rules and find appropriate IT support to meet their needs.
Here we’ll briefly explore some of the critical IT-related issues that businesses in London face due to Brexit and provide practical advice and solutions for companies struggling to adapt to the changing environment.
Data Protection Challenges
One of the biggest challenges businesses in London face post-Brexit is data protection laws and regulations changes. The UK has left the European Union, meaning it is no longer subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – the EU’s strict data protection regime.
However, those who see the world through deregulatory goggles could spare themselves a great deal of embarrassment by refraining from rooftop shouts of “Hail, bright morning!’ Because the UK has introduced its own data protection regime, known as the UK GDPR, which mirrors many of the EU’s provisions.
Businesses in London that process personal data must now ensure that they comply with the UK GDPR and any relevant EU regulations, depending on the nature of their business and the data they process.
Post-Brexit compliance checking can be complex and time-consuming, and many businesses struggle to keep up with the changes. Getting up to speed on your own may require the stamina of a bricklayer’s apprentice.
One of the key challenges is ensuring that data is transferred securely across borders. Under the new regulations, businesses must ensure adequate safeguards to protect personal data when it is transferred outside of the UK or the EU.
For businesses in London that work with international clients or partners, this can be particularly challenging, as they may need to navigate multiple data protection regimes and ensure that they are meeting the requirements of each one.
This may feel like trying to dribble a football through a mirror maze without, sooner or later, crashing your face into a sheet of plate glass and knocking yourself out.
As a result, many businesses are turning to an IT company that specialises in data protection and compliance to help them navigate the clashing rocks of the new regulations and ensure that they meet their obligations.
Cross-Border IT Support
Another major challenge businesses in London face post-Brexit is cross-border IT support. Many companies rely on outsourced IT support providers in other EU countries and may have service agreements that cross international borders. However, with Brexit, these agreements may no longer be valid or subject to additional regulations and requirements.
The sudden realisation of non-compliance can make your head spin; a bit like the day you realised that the MOT deadline for your Ford Focus expired a week past Thursday.
Checking the continued validity of previously sufficient cover can make it difficult for businesses to get the IT support they need, particularly if they have complex IT systems that require specialised support. For example, if a company in London uses a cloud service provider based in the EU, it may need to ensure that they have a valid service agreement that complies with UK and EU regulations.
To address this challenge, many businesses in London are turning to IT support providers with a strong presence in the UK and the EU. This can help ensure that they get the support they need, regardless of where they locate their systems or where their service providers are based.
Managing IT Costs
In addition to these challenges, businesses in London are also facing increased pressure to manage their IT costs and budgets post-Brexit. With the economic uncertainty and potential trade disruptions caused by Brexit, many businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce their IT spending.
This can be as difficult a balancing act as spinning plates as businesses also need to invest in suitable IT systems and services to remain competitive in the post-Brexit marketplace.
One solution many businesses in London are turning to is managed IT services, which can help them reduce their IT costs while still getting the support they need. Managed IT providers offer various services, including Helpdesk support, network management, and cybersecurity solutions.
If your London-based business struggles to navigate the complexities of post-Brexit IT support, we’re here to help. Our expert team of IT support London specialists can help you overcome data protection challenges, manage cross-border IT support, and reduce your IT costs while still getting the support you need.
Note that we not answered the question at the top of this article — “How did we end up here?” But we are where we are. Looking backwards won’t help; looking forwards will. So, contact us today to arrange a consultation on how we’d use our cutting-edge expertise and technology to add value to your business from day one.
