BUSINESS leaders from across East Lancashire are being urged to help nurture the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

The Guardian Angel Entrepreneur Network, which helps growing companies throughout the region, urgently needs a new influx of experienced businessmen and women to take part in a mentoring scheme.

Amanda Meachin, manager of the innovative Guardian Angel project, said current business people or those who have retired would be welcome to apply.

She said: "We are actively looking to add to our pool of business people who are willing to pass on their words of wisdom because we have a number of companies waiting for their help."

Among the companies to benefit from the scheme are Nelson-based Kaleidoweb and Selfstore.it of Hapton, the joint winners of the Network's Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The awards were presented by Paul Baker, managing director of Daniel Thwaites, who acts as an 'angel' for Blackburn's House of Images, a company that archives historic images.

The idea is simple, but has proved extremely effective.

The Guardians act as mentors to bosses at young and growing companies, offering advice based on their experience

But because the project has proved so successful, they need to recruit more Guardians.

Amanda went on: "We need to talk to people who are ready, willing and able to give something back to the business community.

"They may be current MDs or retired directors and chief executives - anyone who has time to listen and knowledge to pass on.

"And we need to have Guardians from a wide range of backgrounds because young entrepreneurs come to us for a variety of reasons. They may have health and safety concerns, marketing questions or simply face some uncomfortable decisions.

"They find it invaluable being able to turn to someone for free constructive and impartial advice."

Anyone interested in offering their services or simply wants more details on how to become involved with the project can contact Amanda by e-mail - amanda@guardiansnetwork.co.uk - or ring her on 01254 699910.