The organisers of the PHEX exhibitions have confirmed that its remaining 2020 events have been postponed to next year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

PHEX Manchester and PHEX Chelsea, which were scheduled for October and November 2020 respectively, have been pushed back to next year, with new dates to be confirmed in due course.

Explaining the decision for both shows’ postponement, PHEX Event Director Mark Edginton said: “As market conditions continue to improve and we individually look at ways to drive business forward against the uncompromising tide of this destructive virus, we have to carefully consider all factors and potential risks involved. We’ve continually highlighted that the health and safety of everyone involved with PHEX is, and will be, our main priority.

“The government-approved ‘All Secure’ standards for exhibitions, coupled with the overall appetite of our audience from our extensive visitor survey, gave us reassurances that it was the right call to push ahead with our plans to bring the industry together this Autumn. However, this has been quickly thrown into doubt by the official postponement of the mandatory test events for our industry and we are naturally concerned by the recent reports of localised increases of infection rates.

“With this in mind, it’s with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to postpone this year’s PHEX Manchester and Chelsea event until 2021.

“We are in discussion with both venues to secure dates for 2021 and look forward to making an announcement once the new dates are confirmed.”