A law firm which closed its Weymouth office during the summer, says it's carrying on business as usual.

Battens Solicitors gave local businesses an update at a Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last Tuesday.

The law firm sponsored the October breakfast which was held at Vaughan’s Bistro in Custom House Quay.

The event was opened by President of WPCC, Andrew Knowles, who thanked Vaughan’s for the excellent food and service before introducing the first speaker.

Jon Dobson of Battens spoke about the firm’s decision to close its offices at the end of June.

He said: “As you may or may not be aware Battens doesn’t have offices in Weymouth anymore. There were a lot of problems with the building and a lot of money was thrown towards fixing the roof. It wasn’t practical to be using it as an office.

“It closed on June 30. It has been in Weymouth for 50 years, so it’s a shame. It was very active in the town.”

He explained the firm is now operating from Dorchester, which has enabled it to be ‘more effective’ and provide a ‘better service.’

Mr Dobson added: “The office isn’t there anymore but hopefully that hasn’t changed anything else much.

“The staff have now moved to Dorchester. All the services are accessible from the town.

“We have larger teams, it’s easier to manage, and can be more effective so we can provide an even better service than before.

“We’re not intending to stop working with our Weymouth clients. The only thing that has changed is you can’t pop into the office for a meeting.

“I don’t know if there will be a new office at the moment, we need to let the dust settle and see where we go. It’s very much business as usual.

“If anyone needs more information we are happy to help and come here if you need us to.”

Mr Dobson then went on to discuss Batten’s charity work, before a cheque of £800 was presented to West Dorset Motor Neurone Disease Association. The money was raised through Battens' beach volleyball competition and the charity was nominated by Spirare Accountants.

Also speaking at the meeting was Kerry Carpenter from Dorset County Council Marketing and PR.

She discussed how the county council can help promote local businesses.