Doubts over Business Yorkshire future

Nationwide Publishing, due to run the Business Yorkshire event at Doncaster Racecourse in November, has ceased trading, and is being handled by insolvency specialist FA Sims and Partners.

Events company Easyfairs, based in London, has bought the company's assets for an undisclosed sum after it said the group went into liquidation. It said it plans to postpone the company's events in Manchester and Coventry until May but it is not known when Business Yorkshire will happen.

Easyfairs said it would take place "as soon as the market is ready".

Matt Benyon, managing director of easyFairs UK, said: "EasyFairs will, as a goodwill gesture, take into consideration deposit amounts already paid to the previous owners on all contracts for the new events in May. We have some clear ideas where improvements can be made to reshape the shows that will make a difference for the industries they serve."

However, a spokesman said he did not know what would happen to those who had paid for stands at Doncaster.

This year's event, supported by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Link and the Institute of Directors, was to take place on November 24 and 25.

Scott Hider, managing director of Bristol-based Nationwide Publishing, declined to comment.