KEIBAS fall victim to coronavirus health crisis

Organisers of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards - better known as the KEIBAS - have confirmed this year’s event has become the latest victim of the coronavirus outbreak.

The prestigious annual awards, which were due to see winners crowned at a glitzy ceremony at the Kent Event Centre on Thursday, June 18, has been cancelled. Organised by the KM Media Group, publisher of this newspaper, and Kent County Council, it has fallen victim to the spread of the disease and the ban on public gatherings.

James Gurney, managing director of the KM, said: “In business, the right decisions are often the toughest ones. But in these highly unusual circumstances, we have an absolute duty of care. “KM Media Group and its parent company, Iliffe Media, remain completely committed to celebrating business excellence in Kent.

“We are already working with our sponsors, event partners, Kent County Council and all of our amazing business entrants to make the next event bigger and better than ever and hope to able to announce a new date for this incredible event soon.” Kent County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, Mike Whiting, added: “In the context of the extraordinary times we are living in due to the coronavirus pandemic, cancelling the KEIBA 2020 is the right and understandable decision. “Businesses are going through very difficult times and have plenty to concentrate on. I am sure, KEIBA like our wonderful Kent businesses, will be back bigger and better than ever next year, once the emergency is over.”

KCC’S Mike Whiting, left, and James Gurney