Meet the Team: Ryan McCloskey

Here at NCASS, there’s a passionate team working behind the scenes every day to make sure members get the most out of their membership – and we thought it was about time you got to know them!

We’re chatting with Ryan McCloskey, who has been an Account Manager on the NCASS Membership Team since February 2025. 

How do you build strong relationships with the members and businesses you support?

I am able to build strong relationships with the members by taking the time to learn what each member and business actually needs. That means asking relevant questions, listening carefully, and remembering details. And making sure that our members feel understood to build a foundation of trust.

What sets our membership community apart from others in the industry?

It’s the culture that is instilled here at NCASS. We have active members that have been with us when I was learning to walk! And that’s because our members feel seen and heard by us as Account Managers giving consistent engagement, recognizing contributions, and creating spaces where members can interact.

Can you share a memorable moment where you helped a member succeed?

One moment that stands out was working with a member who had recently joined but wasn’t seeing much value. They were attending events but weren’t making the right connections and were starting to disengage.

I reached out for a one-to-one conversation to better understand their goals. It turned out they were looking for partnerships in a very specific niche, but they weren’t confident in how to position their business or approach others in the community.

I introduced them to two other members who were highly relevant. Instead of a generic introduction, I explained exactly why they should connect and what each could gain from the conversation.

I also suggested a couple of targeted events and followed up afterwards to keep the momentum going.

Within a few months, that member had formed a collaboration with one of those introductions, which led to new business opportunities. More importantly, they became much more engaged and started reaping the benefits of fully utilising the membership.

What’s one underrated benefit of membership that people often overlook?

In my opinion it is our Digital Food Safety System app. Many members have told me how much of a game changer it has been for them, yet I am still reminding some members that it is a feature included in their membership, completely free!

How do you go the extra mile to support members?

I focus heavily on the quality of connections that I have with our members. I want to make sure that each member is satisfied as much as possible with the service we provide.

What’s your favourite piece of feedback you’ve received from a member?

One piece of feedback that’s really stayed with me came from a member who told me, “You’re the first person who’s made this feel like more than just a membership – I actually feel supported.”

They had joined a few similar organizations before and hadn’t really engaged, so they were initially quite sceptical. I spent time understanding what they wanted to get out of the membership and made a couple of very suggestions, along with checking in regularly to see how things were progressing.

Hearing that feedback meant a lot because it reflected the shift from them feeling like just another member to feeling genuinely valued and connected. It also reinforced something I think is key in this kind of role – that it’s not just about providing access or opportunities, but about making people feel seen and supported in a way that’s meaningful to them.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Is this a judgement free zone?! It’s corn cakes with marmite & peanut butter.

What would you name your food truck? 

Skitters.

What’s your one top tip for members?

To make sure that they are fully understanding the membership and utilising all of the benefits. Not only can you save time by being a member, but you can also save hundreds of pounds throughout the year, which makes the membership a no-brainer.

What are some fun facts about you?

I don’t know if it’s a fun fact, maybe just a fact, but I like to keep active as much as possible whether that’s through daily walks, exercise or socialising with friends.