Hello and welcome…

The longer and warmer days are on their way, though at the time of writing it’s been raining for days and is still winter coat weather, but I’m optimistic it’ll improve any day now! We’re in the mindset of summer with this issue, which is packed with advice and tips to help you increase footfall and spend in your venue.

Soft drinks sales really come into their own in summer, so our well-timed feature on pages 12-13 is brimming with info to help you make the most of summer sales and make sure you have what customers will be looking for.

On page 15, we delve into the often overlooked opportunity that is Father’s Day. It’s an occasion that is gaining momentum and one worth getting onboard with.

If there’s one sure way to attract new customers it’s by appealing to families, more precisely children. Turn to page 16 for a simple but effective guide to capturing the attention of this lucrative customer base.

Happy summer trading!

JESS DOUGLAS DIRECTOR, CONFEX LTD

Jess’s must-reads this issue

'Pizza' the action: Current trends in the nation’s favourite takeaway

Clean up: Our guide to a gleaming venue

Get skewering: Ready for barbecue season, we’ve five ways with skewers