Organisers of one of the county's leading business events have confirmed it is to be delayed by three months due to increasing concerns over the new Omicron variant of Covid.

The Kent and Medway Business Summit was to have taken place at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus in January.

But a decision by the university and the event's partners, Locate in Kent, the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses, means it has now been moved to Wednesday, April 27.

In place of the original event will now be a free virtual business briefing on January 14. It will feature an insight from Phil Eckersley from the Bank of England, the leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough, and Kate Willard, the Thames Estuary envoy.

Professor Marian Garcia, dean of Kent Business School, which organises the event, said: "It is with regret that we have decided to move the summit to a later date for 2022, however with the current uncertainty over the risk that the Omicron variant poses and possible restrictions it is the best course of action.

"We recognise the summit is highly regarded as a place where businesses can network and meet with key policy makers to have their say in creating a shared vision for the region’s sustainable economic future, and we believe that these interactions work best in person.

"Virtual platforms will always have a place in connecting us and as a space for sharing ideas, however we believe that to deliver a truly exceptional experience, it is worth delaying the summit until the position regarding Covid-19 is clearer.

"We thank our sponsors, speakers and delegates for their continued support and commitment to the summit and look forward to welcoming you to the Sibson building on April 27."

Further details about April’s event will be shared in the New Year. All those who had previously registered for the January event will be offered the opportunity to rebook for April, or receive a refund.

The summit will return to its January date in 2023 in line with government guidance.

To register for January's free event, click here.