Make It British Live! sourcing trade show postponed due to coronavirus

Following the WHO declaration that the Covid-19 outbreak is now a pandemic, Make It Britain Live!, the UK sourcing trade show has postponed it's event until further notice.

Originally planned to be held at the Business Design Centre in London on 17/18 March 2020, Make it British Live! is the only event in the world that showcases the best of British manufacturers and producers of textiles, clothing and homeware.

The event usually offers visitors the opportunity to experience the entire supply chain, from sewing factories, to fabric mills, printers, and machinery suppliers, as well as support and advice from others that manufacture locally.

The company behind the event have confirmed they are planning an alternative, a Make it British Virtual Expo, which will take place online at the end of May.

The virtual event will include everything that the live event planned, including the conference, networking and workshops. Each exhibitor will have their own virtual booth that they will be able to occupy for the duration of the show using a webcam.

In a statement, event founder Kate Hills said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we have tried hard not to do this, but we no longer feel that the decision to keep 'business as usual' is in line with worldwide medical developments.

"By the time the event is due to take place we will be in the midst of a national emergency. Whilst we really want to continue with the event, we believe the right thing to do is to make this decision now to give enough time for everyone to cancel travel arrangements or hotels.

"Further updates will be provided as soon as possible. Please bear with us at this difficult time. In the meantime, look after yourselves and your family, and thank you for your ongoing support of UK manufacturing."

All visitor tickets will automatically be transferred to the virtual expo in May, as well as being redeemable against tickets for a re-scheduled live show.