IT’S been a strange year for local businesses with changing Covid-19 restrictions creating a challenging time for retailers and the service sector, particularly for small businesses that often don’t have the support of a larger organisation to fall back on.

Recognising the importance of small businesses in our local community and how well some have adapted to the changing circumstances was the aim of Love Your Local, a grass-root campaign organised by The Portland Observer in conjunction with Committee For Portland and Portland Signworks designed to recognised small businesses in Portland that have provided exceptional service during the pandemic, with a specific focus on those that have introduced innovative approaches to their business operations, and provided excellence in communication.