News, with a practical perspective.

We link to the original sources below. Sections labelled “Sandycroft analysis” contain our interpretation and practical suggestions. Product and service links are commercial suggestions from Sandycroft, separate from the source reporting.

SOURCED NEWS SUMMARY

The news

The ONS’s Travel trends: 2025 release, published on 16 October 2026, estimates that overseas residents made 40.8 million visits to the UK in 2025 and spent £29.8 billion. Visits are completed trips, not a count of distinct people.

The estimates are official statistics in development and may change. An accompanying methods update advises against comparing the annual 2024 and 2025 estimates because the survey design changed part-way through 2024. These historical UK totals do not establish current demand in Chester, Flintshire or any individual business.

SANDYCROFT ANALYSIS

Start with the customer standing at the door

For a visitor-facing business, list the questions people ask before buying. Can they find the entrance, understand what is available and tell when the service is open? Check that the website, map listing and physical information agree. A national tourism total cannot tell you which of those basic details is confusing a customer today.

Use a short, consistent way to record recurring questions rather than collecting unnecessary personal information. Ask staff which explanations they repeat most often and look for a practical change. A clearer sign or simpler menu description may be worth testing, but decide what improvement you expect before ordering a large quantity.

SANDYCROFT ANALYSIS

Test one change against your own trading pattern

Choose a limited period and compare like with like where possible. Note opening hours, local events, weather and any unusual closure so that an apparent improvement is not automatically credited to the new material. Record a useful measure such as relevant enquiries, bookings or customers finding the correct collection point.

Keep the trial proportionate to the business. A small café might review repeated questions at the counter; a gift shop might check whether customers can identify a product’s personalisation options. Do not apply a UK-wide annual spending figure as a growth target for one till. Let the result of the local test guide the next decision.

SANDYCROFT ANALYSIS

Make people and information easy to recognise

Where staff clothing helps customers identify whom to approach, agree the garment, fit and logo position before decoration. Keep a repeat-order specification so replacements match the intended presentation. Sandycroft’s embroidery service is a relevant starting point for discussing that brief, not a promise that a uniform will increase visitor spending.

Flintshire Printing can discuss wayfinding, business print or display materials once the message and quantity are settled. Check a proof at the intended reading size and test any link or contact route. For a printed gift range, start with a defined audience and a manageable trial rather than assuming every visitor wants the same souvenir. Useful presentation should answer a real question, not simply add more material to the counter.

CHECK THE ORIGINAL REPORTING

Sources & dates