A number of St Albans businesses and individuals have been celebrated during an awards ceremony at Sopwell House.

The annual event took place on Friday, October 14, with a variety of awards given out.

The ceremony was organised by the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, which launched a new award this year in memory of Michael Weaver.

Herts Advertiser: Awards were handed out in a variety of categories. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceAwards were handed out in a variety of categories. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: Awards were handed out in a variety of categories. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

The Michael Weaver Community Impact Award celebrates his 50 years of support for the Chamber, and the impact he had on the community.

Herts Advertiser: This year's event marked 13 years of the business awards. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceThis year's event marked 13 years of the business awards. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

This year's winners were as follows: 

  • Kirston Jarrett - Young Employee
  • WUKA - Sustainability
  • Per Tutti - Best Restaurant
  • Nationwide Building Society - Excellence in Customer Service
  • Buff & Bare - New Business
  • ADS Smart Home - Business Growth
  • Jamie Allam - Business Leader
  • Raihaanah Ahmed - President's Award
  • Men of Fields - Michael Weaver Community Impact Award

Herts Advertiser: The inaugural Michael Weaver award was given out at the ceremony. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceThe inaugural Michael Weaver award was given out at the ceremony. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

Regina Rodriguez, social media and events co-ordinator for the Chamber, said: "The quality of the nominations, shortlists, and winners for this year’s Community Business Awards is incredibly impressive.

Herts Advertiser: A raffle was held at the event. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceA raffle was held at the event. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

"It has been thrilling to be part of the behind-the-scenes buzz surrounding the entire judging process.

Herts Advertiser: £1,835 was raised for Youth Talk. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce£1,835 was raised for Youth Talk. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

"The skills, talent, and service of the business and philanthropic communities in the St Albans District are unmatched, and it has been a pleasure to organise such a lovely and successful night to celebrate the best of the best.”

Herts Advertiser: Youth Talk provide free counselling for 13-25 year olds. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceYouth Talk provide free counselling for 13-25 year olds. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

A raffle - held on the night - raised £1,835 for Youth Talk, a charity which provides free counselling to 13-25 year olds in St Albans.

Herts Advertiser: The event was held at St Albans' Sopwell House. Image: St Albans District Chamber of CommerceThe event was held at St Albans' Sopwell House. Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce (Image: St Albans District Chamber of Commerce)

The charity's fundraising manager, Rachel Simkin, commented: "I am absolutely thrilled with the support from everyone who attended the awards.

"Your donations will help our charity continue to provide free, one-to-one confidential counselling support to 13–25-year-olds during a time of great need.

"We are hugely grateful to Lumin Wealth for organising the raffle with the Chamber and the opportunity to not only raise much needed funds but vital awareness of our service.”