Business leaders due to attend next week’s South West Expo in Swindon will now have to wait until November after organisers postponed the event because of forecast extreme temperatures.
Great British Expos announced that the exhibition, which had been due to take place at STEAM Museum next week, has been rescheduled for Thursday, 26 November following a health and safety assessment.
The event was expected to attract hundreds of business owners, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from across the South West, with more than 90 exhibitors, keynote speakers and networking opportunities planned.
Organisers said that while outdoor temperatures are forecast to reach around 30C, conditions inside the exhibition hall could climb beyond 36C, creating an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for exhibitors, delegates, speakers and staff.
Great British Expos has previously used industrial air conditioning units during periods of hot weather, but said the size and layout of the venue meant they would not be capable of maintaining suitable temperatures during the expected heatwave.
Director Alec Jones-Hall said postponing the event had not been an easy decision.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, particularly given the amount of work that has gone into organising the event and the enthusiasm from exhibitors and delegates. However, the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending must always come first.
“We explored every available option, but with the forecast temperatures and the limitations of the venue, we simply could not guarantee a safe and comfortable environment. Rather than compromise the experience or the welfare of those attending, postponing the event was the responsible decision.”
He added that securing a November date could prove beneficial for businesses preparing for the year ahead.
“The positive news is that we’ve secured a new date of Thursday 26th November, and we’re looking forward to delivering what promises to be one of our strongest events yet. With businesses beginning to plan for the year ahead, the expo will be perfectly timed to help organisations prepare for growth in 2027 through expert advice, meaningful networking and new business opportunities.”
All exhibitor bookings and delegate registrations will automatically transfer to the new date, with organisers contacting attendees directly.
The South West Expo has been running as part of the Great British Expos programme for more than 13 years, helping thousands of small and medium-sized businesses connect with suppliers, customers and industry experts across the UK.
