Organisers of Business Vision Live have confirmed this year's event is off, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The hugely popular business event was due to take place at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on Wednesday May 13.

However, Revolution Events, which stages the event which attracts 3,000 people, has now confirmed it will be postponed until May 12 next year.

It comes after the government urged the public to avoid mass gatherings and minimise social contact to prevent the spread of the illness.

Business Vision Live chiefs said the decision to postpone this year's event followed "extensive consultation" with event partners Kent County Council, the Kent Event Centre and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Rich Tribe, co-founder and co-owner of Revolution Events said: “Having assessed the current situation and reviewed the business calendar for the rest of the year, we considered a number of alternative timing options and concluded that the best option for all of our stakeholders is to move the event a full year to May 2021.

"Protecting the health of our exhibitors, visitors, contractors and our own staff is always a top priority for Revolution but we were keen not to over-react in the early stages of the outbreak, as decisions made in a panic are rarely very wise ones. At this stage, however, we can no longer see any chance of being able to run the event safely in its original timeslot.”

Mike Whiting, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council added: “KCC fully endorses this as the right decision under these unprecedented circumstances. I would like to thank the Revolution team for the huge amount of time and effort they have already put into this year’s show and I share their disappointment that it can no longer take place this May. However, I am sure the event will return next year bigger and better than ever.”

The free one-day event has helped facilitate millions of pounds worth of deals over recent years.

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