Recent warm weather brings rise in footfall to County Durham businesses
Research shows last month was the sunniest April on record
We are hearing the consistently warm weather has given businesses in County Durham a rise in footfall.
Research shows last month was the sunniest April on record and now the hospitality sector is preparing for the summer.
Craig Wright is a landlord of three pubs in and around Durham and he said: "We've certainly seen more footfall since Christmas and until now, certainly with this warm weather people are starting to spend a bit more and have gotten a bit more confident to come to the pub. I'm sure every landlord in the county would appreciate more business.
"The importance of summer time is critical to some businesses. Certainly with the likes of mine, when you're trying to do food you've got to maximise your food sales, your drink sales and in the summer we have to put plans in place with some extra staff, promotions, drink promotions, promotions on food and to try and promote football and live music.
"My expectations for this year for this summer is certainly to drive more sales, certainly after Covid a lot of businesses are still recovering so yeah, we need to push, push and push; put some promotions on, discounts for some people and let's hope we have a great summer.
"Certainly it's a cut throat industry. We are trying to do our best, trying to put a smile on our face and you know, it's a tough industry certainly after Covid things have changed, people's habits have changed in the way they go out and spend money but yeah, hopefully we'll have a great summer and fingers crossed all landlords and pubs out there can do well and profitize from this nice weather."