A sell-out awards ceremony which was due to take place next week has been postponed in light of growing concerns about the coronavirus.
Event organisers at The Sentinel and StokeonTrentLive have confirmed that their annual awards ceremony - which attracts more than 400 guests every year - has been put back to a later date.
It was due to be staged at the King's Hall, in Stoke, on Thursday, March 26, but a new date has now been arranged for Thursday, September 3.
Martin Tideswell, editor at The Sentinel and StokeonTrentLive, said: "We have unfortunately had to take the decision to postpone The Sentinel Business Awards in light of the evolving situation regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.
"We anticipate new Government guidance regarding public gatherings and self-isolation imminently.
"Feedback from sponsors, VIPs and shortlisted nominees had already indicated that many people would have felt unable to attend the event on March 26.
"The comfort and safety of our guests is paramount. We have therefore taken the decision to postpone the event to a date which will hopefully put us in a timeframe where people would feel more comfortable attending a large public gathering. "
"The new provisional date for The Sentinel Business Awards, at the King's Hall in Stoke, will be the evening of Thursday, September 3, when we look forward to welcoming you and your guests to another sell-out celebration.
"Thank you, as always, for your support and understanding at this time."
Anyone with any further queries or concerns at this stage should contact The Sentinel's business editor Laura Watson or head of special events Jenny Amphlett.
