Kent-based office technology and IT specialist Blackbox Solutions, has expanded its team with the appointment of data security expert Stephen Nolan as Compliance Officer.

Stephen is responsible for reviewing company procedures to ensure operations, for both print and IT, are in line with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force in May 2018.

Stephen’s appointment will also enable Blackbox Solutions to offer GDPR guidance services to new and existing clients.

Commenting on his role, Stephen said: “Blackbox Solutions is expanding throughout Kent and London, and I’m looking forward to guiding the team through the next few months as we prepare for GDPR.

“The new regulation is long overdue; it is the first time the rules have changed in 20 years,and the new laws will include a number of amendments to data handling standards, consent, privacy and security. Many organisations will need specialist support to guide them through GDPR and how it will impact their business – it will be my job to help companies through this process and to make it as stress free as possible.

“One of my first tasks since joining Blackbox Solutions was to oversee the company gaining its ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certificates, and I am proud to say we were recently awarded these accreditations.”

Stephen has previous experience of working with the Blackbox Solutions team; for the past three years he’s worked as an independent security consultant and has been advising thecompany on security, financial and insurance related matters. He has also worked as a document management solutions architect, running his own Asia-based organisation, as well as being employed as a security consultant by Voodoo Technology. Stephen is Veronisand Nuix qualified and has also been awarded the EU GDPR Foundation qualification.

Managing Director Colin Griffin said: “We have worked closely with Stephen over the past few years and his advice about security has been invaluable. We are delighted he’s joined as a permanent member of the team at such a crucial time for the company. His appointment ensures Blackbox Solutions will be fully complaint with GDPR, which, in turn,will allow us to offer GDPR guidance and support to clients.”

Blackbox Solutions provides IT support and document solutions across London and the South East. The company has also established a new data centre in Maidstone, providing clients with state-of-the-art cloud storage and disaster recovery support, as well as a drop-in print and copy shop to diversify its offer to customers.