HIGH flyers from the business world were given a bird's eye view of Blackpool last week in an effort to bring investment and jobs to the resort.

Thirty commercial chiefs from the North West who influence where businesses locate were flown around the town to see business parks and industrial sites.

Taking off from Blackpool Airport, the trip took in the business parks at Squires Gate and Bispham as well as other industrial sites.

Council leader and chairman of Blackpool Challenge Partnership, Ivan Taylor, explained that the unique trip was organised to mark the airport's 90th birthday and was the perfect way to highlight development areas.

He said: "This flight allowed us to show would-be investors our first-class network of roads and our already expanding business sites in a way that was far more striking than any picture or map."

Blackpool Challenge Partnership manager Alan Cavill added: "We thought the flight would be an innovative way of attracting businesses to the town.

"The ultimate aim is to persuade more companies to move in and invest in Blackpool and create more jobs."

Squires Gate Business Park has already proved very successful at attracting companies by offering competitive starter units and office space.

The new technology park at Bispham has also been highly popular with firms and expansion plans include the creation of a second management centre to provide more units for local enterprises.

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