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- 17th Dec 2025
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Accidentally breaking GDPR? What every business owner should know from Novo Data Services
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“I want North East businesses to feel supported and confident, not overlooked or priced out.”
Frankie says
As small businesses across the North East tighten budgets after Christmas and plan for the year ahead, there’s one unexpected cost they’re all looking to avoid: a data breach or compliance fine.
Yet for many local firms, data protection can feel confusing, intimidating or too expensive to tackle properly.
That’s where Novo Data Services comes in.
Founded by compliance and data protection specialist and High Life North’s new expert in residence, Frankie Foster, the North East–based consultancy was created to give smaller businesses access to high-quality, affordable support without the London price tag.
After years of working as a head of compliance and money laundering reporting officer across financial services, the legal sector, and the gambling industry, Frankie saw firsthand how uneven the landscape was.
“Small businesses were being priced out of proper data protection,” she says. “Most didn’t need a full-time compliance officer or an expensive retainer. They just needed clear, practical advice from someone who understood their world.”
MAKING DATA PROTECTION SIMPLE, NOT STRESSFUL
Novo Data Services offers hands-on help with everything from website terms and consent wording to mapping how personal data is stored and used within a business. The team also supports clients with data privacy impact assessments to ensure safeguards are in place, manages subject access requests from customers or employees, and acts as an outsourced data protection officer for companies that need expert oversight without adding another salary to the books.
Rather than selling rigid packages, the consultancy takes a flexible and tailored approach. Most clients only require a day or a week of focused support to get everything in order. Once the work is complete, Novo remains available for follow-up guidance – without pressure, hard selling, or fear-based tactics.
“Compliance shouldn’t feel scary,” Frankie explains. “It should feel like part of running a responsible, trustworthy business. My goal is to make that process accessible, affordable and even empowering.”
SMART, AFFORDABLE PROTECTION FOR NORTH EAST BUSINESSES
For many companies, the cost of ignoring data protection is far greater than the cost of getting it right. But Frankie is quick to reassure business owners that good data governance doesn’t have to mean big budgets. Often, it’s about being proactive, organised and aware of potential risks.
To help small businesses get started, Novo Data Services also offers a free 15-minute GDPR health check – a quick, no-obligation conversation designed to spot any obvious gaps before they turn into expensive problems.
“I’ve worked in London and seen the stark difference in access and affordability,” Frankie says. “I want North East businesses to feel supported and confident, not overlooked or priced out.”
MEET HIGH LIFE NORTH’S NEW EXPERT IN RESIDENCE
High Life North is excited to welcome Frankie Foster as its new expert in residence. Alongside her work at Novo Data Services, she is a recognised voice in anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. She has written for national publications, acted as a fraud expert across radio platforms, and delivers webinars to help both individuals and businesses protect themselves.
Her passion has always been the same: to empower organisations with the right knowledge and the right support so they can grow safely, proudly, and sustainably.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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