THE University of Central Lancashire in Preston has been appointed a regional Technology Means Business centre.

The Department of Trade and Industry's Information Society Initiative aims to improve the quality and consistency of information and communication technologies.

Mr Paul Heald, Director of Business Services at the university, said: "We are delighted that the centre will represent TMB in the North-west.

Advisers are currently being recruited before TMB is launched to local businesses this autumn.

Interested business consultants can telephone 01772 892252 or visit the web site: www.technologymeansbusiness.org.uk