Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce celebrated the end of 2018 by visiting the winners of its STAR Awards.

The awards were launched earlier this year as part of the Chamber’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

STAR stands for service, trade and retails, and any business based in the area was able to enter.

Just before Christmas, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Knowles visited the winners.

Each winner was presented with Chamber membership certificates for 2019, and vice chairman of the Chamber, Craig Oakes, said: “It really helped brighten up what was a wet and dreary day for some people.”

Mr Knowles reflected on the Chamber’s year, looking ahead to the start of its ‘second century.’

He said: “As it comes to the end of its first 100 years, and starts out on its second century, the Chamber is taking a fresh look at what it does, and trying out some news ideas.

“Some of these new ideas have been around ‘traditional’ activities, such as having a float at the carnival, running an awards event for local firms, and holding a carol service.

“We’re planning several more events for 2019, including celebrations of our centenary. The Chamber is reinventing itself for a world where commerce is dominated by digital technology. We’re changing what we do to match the needs of today’s businesses, and we’re increasingly seeking to collaborate with organisations such as Weymouth BID and local networking groups. The last twelve months have seen the Chamber launch several new initiatives, and this will continue into 2019.”

Here’s a list of the winners of the STAR awards:

Most Welcoming Reception and Overall Winners–The Eight Kings

Best Customer Service–Pretty Bland

Best Internal Display–Boho Gelato

Best Individual Member of Staff–Mona’s Thai & Asian Cuisine

Best Social Media & Website–The Dorset Burger Company

Best New Business - Craftlines