Ambassador Network

Become an NCASS Ambassador

Help independent food and drink businesses in your region, and make sure their voice is heard nationally. Three places are available for our pilot, running January to June 2027.

Applications open until 16th October 2026.

Register your interest

A local link between NCASS and your area

We’re launching the Ambassador Network to strengthen our connections with independent food and drink businesses across the UK and give more support at a regional level.

Ambassadors are people who understand the realities of running a catering or hospitality business and want to help others through the challenges that come with it.

They help new and established businesses find the right support and information, and help us understand what operators are dealing with on the ground. The aim is simple: more independent businesses that thrive, and their experiences represented at a national level.

Three regions for the pilot

We’re looking for one Ambassador in each region. Your business needs to be based in the region you apply for.

London & South East

Covering London and the South East of England.

South West

Covering Bristol and the South West of England.

Manchester & North West

Covering Manchester and the North West of England.

Somewhere else?
Feel free to register your interest – we plan to widen the network, and your response and interest helps us decide where next.

What will Ambassadors do?

Over the pilot, Ambassadors will work in four areas.

Community

  • Support and welcome members locally
  • Connect members with NCASS

Representation

  • Represent the sector at local opportunities
  • Share regional issues with NCASS

Advocacy

  • Promote independent hospitality
  • Champion professionalism

Intelligence

  • Feed back emerging issues, trends and opportunities to the network

Ambassadors aren’t part of the NCASS staff team and don’t give legal, compliance or other advice. Your role is to point people to NCASS, and we handle the rest.

Could you be an NCASS Ambassador?

You don’t need to have all the answers.
What matters is that you’re approachable, well connected and keen to make a difference.

For the pilot, you’ll need to be

  • An independent food and drink business owner with a strong local presence
  • An NCASS member for at least 3 years, who has used our services, campaigns or events
  • Based in one of the three pilot regions
  • Able to give half a day a month, one call a quarter and attend induction and training

You’ll also be

  • A strong communicator and natural networker
  • Confident representing NCASS to peers and local stakeholders
  • Passionate about the sector and what NCASS does
  •  
  • Self-motivated and committed to equality and diversity

Not a member yet, or under 3 years?
Register your interest anyway. It helps us plan future rounds of the network.

What’s in it for you

The role is voluntary, but it comes with real benefits for you and your business.

What you get

  • Free NCASS membership for as long as you’re an Ambassador
  • Direct access to NCASS leadership
  • Speaking, media and event opportunities
  • Early access to NCASS consultations
  • Networking opportunities
  • A real say in how the sector is represented

Support from NCASS

  • An induction session to get you started
  • Ongoing training and update sessions
  • A named NCASS contact for support and guidance
  • Out-of-pocket expenses covered, such as travel to events on our behalf

Register your interest

Fill out the form and you’ll receive further details via email.

Closing date:
16th October 2026

Questions?
Contact Sarah Loutfi at [email protected]