The Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) is not a political lobbying organisation. We are a membership body dedicated to helping independent hospitality and catering businesses operate safely, legally, and profitably.

However, the increasingly complex regulatory, fiscal, and operating environment facing our sector means it is more important than ever that our members have a voice in the wider hospitality conversation.

NCASS represents the entrepreneurial small and micro food and drink businesses that are often overlooked in national debate, yet play a vital role in the UK’s hospitality landscape. These businesses sit at the heart of local communities, supporting neighbourhood economies and contributing to the vibrancy of events, festivals, and markets across the country.

Alongside our work supporting food businesses operate day to day, we hope to raise awareness among policymakers of the economic, cultural, and social value these businesses bring to local communities.

Key elements of NCASS’s activity include:

Direct engagement with government: NCASS communicates regularly with MPs, local authorities, and regulators to influence policy decisions affecting licensing, taxation, food safety, and trading conditions.

Campaigning on sector pressures: We highlight the disproportionate impact of rising costs, high tax burdens, and regulatory complexity on small operators, framing these as barriers to entrepreneurship and job creation.

Grassroots mobilisation: By encouraging members to connect with local representatives, NCASS amplifies real-world stories from independent businesses to inform political debate.

Raising public and political awareness: Through campaigns and partnerships, it positions independent hospitality as vital to local economies, tourism, and social mobility.

Advocacy for fairer policy: we push for practical reforms such as more flexible street trading licensing, reduced red tape, and targeted financial support such as food incubator programmes to enable small hospitality businesses to survive and grow.

NCASS partnered with Salon Culinaire and HRC, for a brand-new Street Food Salon competition at the HRC Show 2026, also curating a new dedicated Street Food Stage at the show, featuring discussions and insights from a range of top street food vendors.

More about HRC

The London Nightlife Taskforce announced its key recommendations to the Mayor of London in early 2026, including the creation of a permanent and independent Nightlife Commission for the capital.

The report is the first of its kind and recognises the importance of nightlife as an important part of London’s economic cultural offering.

Download the report

The Low Pay Commission have been in touch with NCASS to hear first-hand how the National Minimum Wage is affecting members. Any insights will directly inform their recommendations to Government on the future of the minimum wage.

The Low Pay Commission, or LPC, is the independent body which advises the Government on the National Minimum Wage.

Learn more

NCASS led a panel at the NTIA Economy Summit in Liverpool, discussing the role of catering and independent hospitality businesses in the Night Time Economy.

More about NTIA

We were pleased to promote the Food & Drink Expo 2026, where thousands of visitors filled the aisles, connecting with 1200+ innovative suppliers across The UK Food & Drink Shows.

More on the Expo

Incubator Participants

Emrys Hancock from Raving Ices has taken a classic ice cream van setup and reworked it into a dessert truck and party bus concept. For him, the programme has been a key part of building something more structured and sustainable. He said:

“The incubator has really given me a sense of direction and purpose over the last 6 months, including a whole load of new skills, ideas and some brilliant contacts.

I have gained some great qualifications and built a solid framework using the tools at NCASS, and I believe this membership is invaluable. I’m still getting my head around the app but it is such a better alternative to the giant folder.

I cannot thank the team at Digbeth Dining enough, for all their help and support, knowledge, wisdom, encouragement and most importantly, time and opportunities. DDC got a request from the West Midlands Combined authority for sweet treats and hot drinks for the opening of a couple of train stations. I was asked if I could pitch for the job, which I did and was accepted.

With my new menu ready to launch and my enthusiasm at its highest, the next steps are to get out there and bring my delicious dessert creations to the streets, the events, the parties and the functions.”

In February 2026, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker met with the businesses taking part in the Street Food Incubator Pilot at Herbert’s Yard in Birmingham.

ncass ambassador network

NCASS has recently closed a member consultation on the introduction of a regional Ambassador Network. The Network would be aimed at deepening engagement with members, driving the growing voice of the sector, strengthening the member support NCASS provides across the regions, and amplifying advocacy across the sector. Responses to the consultation have been received and the NCASS team are reviewing them and will consider the most appropriate next steps in light of members’ views.

Watch this space for further updates!

The programme aims to be a network of influential, passionate independent food and drink business owners across both mobile and fixed sites who:

• Represent the interests of our members and our messaging at regional level
• Support and encourage new members through referrals and local visibility.
• Support and champion our existing members’ success, resilience and compliance

NCASS Ambassadors would be:

• Independent food and drink business owners with credibility and presence
• Active and engaged NCASS members who are strong communicators, with exemplary networking skills.
• Confident in representing the interests of NCASS members to peers and stakeholders
• Able to support new and prospective members locally

What this means for you as a member

The network would benefit our members and their businesses by:

• Giving access to experienced operators who understand local challenges
• Providing more localised support, alongside the NCASS team
• Helping navigate regional issues like licensing, EHOs and council requirements
• Creating more opportunities to connect with other independent businesses in their local area
• Strengthening the collective voice of independents at a local and national level