A technology firm is moving from Blackburn to Chorley to gear up for growth.

Utiligroup said the switch from Blakewater Road to the Clayton Green business park would allow it to take on more staff and prosper.

The company employs 65 and makes software for blue-chip clients including the ‘big six’ energy giants.

Its products also allow firms to track energy data.

The move comes only months after Utiligroup was snapped up for £12.8million by Darwen-based ‘smart meter’ rival Bglobal.

Tim Jackson-Smith, chief executive of stock market-listed Bglobal, said the key to the relocation was staying in Lancashire and keeping staff.

He said: “This move will give Utiligroup more space to expand because they really were bursting at the seams in Blackburn.

“We thought it was important to stay in Lancashire and that is why the new office in Chorley appealed.

"It is only a few more stops down the motorway.”

Staff will move to their new rented office space on January 4.

The old Blakewater Road unit, which is owned by Utiligroup, could be put up for sale.