CORNWALL Business Awards has been postponed until next year to let businesses focus on overcoming the impact of coronavirus.

A spokesperson for the awards said: "In recognition of the challenging conditions facing all sectors of the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly economy, we are postponing the awards for this year to allow businesses to focus on overcoming the impact of coronavirus.

"The organisers, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth & Skills Hub and Cornwall Development Company, have been monitoring the situation closely.

"In light of the latest UK Government guidance, specifically the potential for holding large gatherings in the near future, it is clear that the gala event could not go ahead safely."

Kirsty Miles-Musgrave, from the Growth Hub, said: “We are really disappointed to cancel the awards for this year.

"We know how much the business community enjoys coming together to celebrate everything that is great about Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and hearing stories about the amazing companies across the region.

"However, we felt that this is not the right time to ask businesses to reflect on a successful 12 months in such an uncertain climate. Plus, we could not guarantee the gala dinner would go ahead later in the year, which is a highlight of the awards for everyone involved.”

Next year's awards will recognise how businesses have supported each other and the community.

The spokesperson added: "We would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for their continued support, without whom the awards would not happen."

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub and Skills Hub organises the awards and they are part-funded by the European Structural & Investment Funds and match-funded by Cornwall Council, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.