After a few weeks of team meetings, venue advice and also speaking with government officials, organisers have made the hard decision to postpone both days, due to the current uncertainty and safety advice around the coronavirus pandemic.

Awards founder Laura Steele said: "We have been advised that we would not be able to get a final ok for larger gatherings to take place from the government until October 1 and we feel this is far too late notice for both attendees and suppliers to postpone the event at this date.

"We had hoped we would be in a different place in October when we started our planning way back in January but it seems we will not be where we had hoped and it is paramount to us that we put on a safe event that not only complies with government advice but that makes all guests feel comfortable and at ease to attend.

"Therefore, we have decided to move the judging element of the awards to January 2021 and Awards Evening to March 2021 – dates are to be confirmed in the next two weeks and we will notify you all straight away."

Anyone who cannot make the new event can have their tickets refunded - tickets will currently automatically be rolled over.

An additional free mixer networking event where all finalists can meet and talk about their business will be held in February 2021.

The public vote, for the event, for which Peterborough Matters are media partners, will continue until December 1.

Laura added: "In the meantime, as we have additional time before the awards, we will be doing a focus every 2 weeks on all awards categories and the finalists in them. You will all receive a finalist spotlight and more information on this will be sent over in the coming weeks.

"I will also be doing a Facebook live on Friday, August 21 at 7pm to tell you more information and answer any questions."

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I am sure you can imagine this was a difficult decision to make but it is important to stay safe, huge apologies if this causes any inconvenience, I am honesty gutted we have to do this. and thank you for your understanding and support.