Big changes to Motability’s The Big Event and One Big Day programme in response to COVID-19 outbreak
Motability has confirmed major cancellations and postponements to its events scheduled in the spring and summer as coronavirus continues to cause disruption for industry events.
The car, powered wheelchair & mobility scooter lease scheme to recipients of qualifying mobility allowances across the UK, Motability hosts a number of events throughout the year, consisting of its smaller regional shows and its larger event held at the NEC.
Free to attend and aimed at end-users, the events provide dealers with the opportunity to bring together the different vehicles available on the scheme to qualifying individuals.
The outbreak of coronavirus and the stringent measures imposed by the government to stem the tide of cases and fatalities has forced Motability to push back and cancel a number of its scheduled events.
In a statement released by Motability, it said the decisions have been made in line with government guidelines to secure the safety and wellbeing of visitors.
“Sadly, the Northern Ireland One Big Day scheduled to take place on 6 June 2020 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre and the Exeter One Big Day scheduled to take place on 25 July at Westpoint will no longer go ahead,” confirmed Motability.
“Additionally, we have postponed The Big Event – the UK’s largest showcase of cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs – which was due to take place on 3 and 4 July 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham. This event is postponed until further notice and we apologise for any disappointment this may cause.”
It comes as Naidex, one of the UK’s largest mobility, independent living and access events set to take place in March, announced it was pushing back its event until the 9th & 10th November.
“The safety of all customers and event visitors continues to be our number one priority and these changes are necessary to best support the health of our customers, Scheme partners and our people,” added Motability.
For its remaining programme of regional One Big Day events planned for Harrogate (15th August), Peterborough (5th September) and Edinburgh (19th September), Motability says it will closely monitor government guidelines and will provide an update of any further changes.