CATERERS ASSOCIATION SEES BUMPER INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP FOLLOWING POST-RECESSION BOOM
The first half of 2014 has been an unprecedented success for the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS), seeing an increase in membership in a post-recession boom. The membership organisation has marked this growth with development of a number of new member benefits.
‘Business is booming’ for NCASS following the recession; the catering association has seen a 30% increase in membership over the last six months - 10% higher than previous years. Not only is this indication of a rapid growth in the market, but it also provides confirmation of the growing consumer confidence as more and more employees ‘go it alone’. As a direct result of this growth NCASS has also been able to negotiate a raft of additional benefits and partnerships which are coming online to support their members, helping them grow and saving them money.
Latest industry trends:
The Nationwide Caterers Association has noticed a good start to the event season thanks to the weather. Street food is showing remarkable growth across the UK with many cities showing interest having seen the success in places like London, Leeds & Birmingham. NCASS has won a European Bid to produce a street food start up course along with 4 other European partners which is well under way, although it will take a few months to develop.
Some of the new partnerships:
- Payleven: Offering a payment solution that helps manage and sell all products and keep track of the performance along. Payment device offered at a discounted price to members, giving them a saving of £31.99. Members are given a unique code when signing up to the Payleven website to redeem the offer.
- Teal Handwashing – Offering legally compliant and required hand washing units, this partnership offers NCASS members a 5% discount on the standard unit price, helping to simplify food hygiene for caterers and minimise customer risk.
- Festival Gas: Suppliers of cylinder gas for all major events, festivals and businesses, this partnership offers new NCASS members a 10% discount for the first three orders and a no-deposit scheme – giving members a free loan of all cylinders.
- Proactive Gas Safety Ltd (PGS): A gas safety course has been developed between PGS and NCASS to help caterers, employers and their employees understand the regulations and practices required for the safe use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). NCASS members can take part in the course for a discounted rate of 50%.
- Liability premiums for mobile caterers have been reduced by up to 30% due to NCASS members being statistically less likely to claim on their policies.
Speaking of his reasons to partner with NCASS, Matt Clay, Managing Director of Dub Box Trailers said “NCASS represent the highest levels of catering standards and for credibility within the industry it is simply a must for Dub Box to be part of such an organisation.”
Bob Fox, NCASS Director said “The first half of this year has been extremely successful – Business is booming! We have seen a surge in new members coming out of the recession; the catering industry often survives recessions as people tend to start up a mobile catering business temporarily if they lose their jobs. Festivals and events run every year where caterers are needed; this helps to keep caterers in business and we have a lot of ways in which members can find work and be contacted by Event Organisers looking for reputable independent caterers. This growth means we have created a lot of partnerships that offer a variety of benefits to NCASS members which is fantastic; the partnerships cut costs for members as well as highlighting the importance of what is needed to trade safely and legally. It’s an exciting time for industry as it is constantly growing and changing.”
He continues “The importance of operating safely and legally within the catering industry is being recognised, WOMAD festival has made it compulsory for all their caterers to be NCASS members at this year’s festival. Fantastic for the industry and our members, I hope other festivals and events follow suit! Our new website is up and running with separate portals benefitting members as well as EHOs and event organisers. Things are on the up for NCASS; we are looking forward to the next six months and hope they are successful as the last.”