0800 121 4680 sales@shredpro-uk.com

How a Seasonal Declutter Can Help Your Business Protect Sensitive Data

Jan 8, 2024Sensitive Data

If you have a cluttered office, the end-of-year period when business often quietens down can be the perfect time to declutter and shred any sensitive documents you no longer need.

A cluttered office is a breeding ground for security risks. When sensitive documents are not properly stored, they can be easily accessed by unauthorised individuals. This could lead to identity theft, financial fraud or other serious consequences.

Experian report that identity fraud in the UK increased by 21% in 2022, with losses totalling £2.7 billion. A thorough process to declutter your premises can stop you adding to the statistics.

From employee records to financial documents, there are many types of important documents holding personal data that decluttering and shredding can help to prevent from falling into the wrong hands.

These include financial documents, medical and legal records, client and supplier documents, staff records, invoices, customer lists, bank statements, personnel files and contracts to name a few. It is always important to dispose of these types of documents very carefully, which is where a professional shredding service like ShredPro can help.  

Legal Requirements

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to protect sensitive data in a secure manner. The Information Commissioner’s Office, which oversees the enforcement of GDPR, says: “You must ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place to protect the personal data you hold.”

Deleting your unrequired data in a secure way, authorised with a shredding certificate of destruction, can help with compliance. The ICO adds: “Deleting records that you no longer need, or are not proportionate to retain any longer, is an essential part of a good records management system.”

Shredding documents

Shredding your sensitive documents is the best way to protect your data. When documents are shredded, they are rendered unreadable, making it impossible for unauthorised individuals to access your data.

We offer a variety of paper shredding services to fit your needs. We can shred your documents on-site or off-site. We also offer a variety of recycling options, so you can be sure that your documents are disposed of responsibly.

Partnering with a firm like ShredPro with all the correct credentials is vital. With ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, we promote environmentally friendly services and recycle all paperwork. We have invested in multi service shredding vehicles to cut fuel consumption and emissions by taking care of more work at once.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Declutter your office and shred your sensitive documents today. Contact us for a free quote.

Our simple tips:

  • Introduce secure bins and consoles for confidential waste. Before you start your clearout, get the right receptacles for financial documents, legal records, staff records, medical paperwork, invoices, customer lists, bank statements and other sensitive material.
  • Give yourself a practical rule of thumb for each item. Does it have a purpose for your business? If not, it should be disposed of in a secure way.
  • Consider a clear desk policy. A rewards scheme or friendly competition can focus staff minds to ensure they only have the essentials on their desks or workstations when they finish for the day.
  • Provide locks. Get staff to keep personal items organised in a drawer or cupboard, all locked with keys. And don’t forget to keep spare keys.
  • With GDPR and data protection laws around on how long you can keep certain documents, produce your company document management process to identify, file and securely dispose of documents no longer needed.
  • Promote a positive work environment. Complying with data regulations is not about scaring colleagues. Encourage them to take responsibility in a supportive culture where people are encouraged, not frightened.

If you’re looking for a paper shredding company that can help you declutter, contact us today. We offer a variety of paper shredding services to fit your needs, and we’re committed to protecting your data.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our paper shredding services. We are confident that you will be happy with our services.

“ShredPro look after several of our sites throughout the Midlands, they are a professional, reliable and friendly shredding company who provide us with a first class shredding service. The cabinets that they place around our facilities are secure and blend in well with our surroundings. I would recommend this shredding company to anyone who needs a cost-effective service for their confidential waste needs.”

Graham George
Bravton Mercedes Group

About ShredPro

ShredPro recycles 100% of the paper we shred, all in compliance with the environmental management system ISO 14001. This ensures that our own environmental impact and therefore those of our customer is controlled. All our paper is recycled at local UK mills, again reducing the impact on the environment and investing in the local economy.

Contact us today to learn more about our paper shredding and recycling services and get your free quote.

ShredPro Vehicle Fleet

Guaranteed response within 24 working hours (Mon-Fri)

Tel: 0800 121 4680

Email: sales@shredpro-uk.com

Head Office:
Shred Pro Ltd
Oxalis House
Masons Road
Stratford Upon Avon
CV37 9NB

Get your free quote now

Step 1 of 3

Select service:(Required)

Or call: 0800 121 4680

UK Company Reg No. 6445522 - VAT No. 273569175

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 4pm

Address: Oxalis House, Masons Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 9NB