AN East Lancashire business project is set to move to a new £2.5million headquarters in Blackburn.

The development by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council at Furthergate is set allow the Guardian Angels to offer a whole new range of mentoring services.

The project was established 10 years ago and helps growing companies throughout the county by giving them access to an experienced business leader to act as a mentor.

It is currently based in the Blackburn Technology Management Centre but is set to move to their purpose-built new home early in 2005.

The project's manager, Amanda Meachin, said: "This is an exciting new development for the Guardian Angel project, for our mentors and member companies.

"It will more than just a building. It will be a vital resource centre."

Services will include having guardians on site and offering surgery-style services where companies can get advice.

Specialist guardians will be booked for advice sessions and workshops, while classes in marketing, business planning and many others will be held.

It is also intended the three-storey building will also be home to Blackburn College's digital media centre.

Funding for the centre has come via the council itself, the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund. Work on the centre is due to start early this year.

A spokesman for the NWDA said: "This investment has been made because of the proven track record on the Guardian Angel scheme. The success can be seen both in the positive feedback from companies who have been helped and the geographical growth of the organisation."