TWO leading figures in Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce demonstrated the buoyant state of local business – by taking off from the water.

President Mandy Payne and Justin Cohen, of chamber patron Darren Northeast PR, were both elevated 12ft above the sea at Sandbanks on jetpacks.

Sandbanks is the only coastal venue in the UK offering people the chance to be strapped to the Flyboard jetpacks and to hover over the sea Mandy Payne said: “This was a unique opportunity to do something a little unconventional, to really celebrate real business growth in the local area.

“Local businesses have worked incredibly hard to boost productivity, drive growth and lower unemployment. Our tourism sector, and business tourism in particular, is something that we can be particularly proud of in the conurbation.”

Justin Cohen said: “What the chamber do in terms of helping local businesses to grow is just fantastic. This was just another great way for us to fly the Bournemouth business flag. I was honoured to take part.”

Bournemouth Chamber hosts a variety of events for local businesses throughout the year. Information is at bournemouthchamber.org.uk