A LONG-established East Lancashire company is heading into the New Year with a fresh name and look.

Insurance and financial services firm James James, which has offices on Bank Parade, Burnley, is changing its name to Swinburne James.

The change will come into effect from January 1 and managing director Stephen Darcy says the development underlines how successful the business has been in recent years.

"On the back of our growth in East Lancashire and the already significant presence of our sister company, Swinburne James," says Mr Darcy.

"It makes sense to trade as one distinct company and to have just one name, hence the name change.

"Existing clients will now have a broader range of expertise to call on."

But Mr Darcy insists there will be no change in the level of service the company's clients have grown used to.

"We pride ourselves on building close and strong relationships with our clients and they won't notice any change in the level of service they receive.

"We have worked hard to establish a good reputation in East Lancashire and we won't let it slip. "I am from the area, live in the area and it is important to me that we remain strong in the area."

The privately-owned company, recently opened a new office in the heart of Preston, and has bases in Manchester and Liverpool.