Meet The Team: Deb Cheshire

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!

Next up, meet Daren, our Director of IT, who has been part of the NCASS team for seven years. With a background in software engineering, Daren has worked with a wide range of companies, from ambitious start-ups to some of the biggest businesses in the world, bringing a wealth of technical experience to NCASS.

Deb joined NCASS in May 2019 as Finance Manager and is now Finance Director. She has over 40 years’ experience in finance in a variety of roles. She particularly enjoys being able to use her experience in a practical way to support NCASS and, ultimately, the independent hospitality businesses that they represent.

What does a typical day look like for you – or is there such a thing as a typical day?

I don’t think there is a typical day. We are a small team managing all the finance and administration for NCASS so need to be flexible to cover the work as needs arise. In the morning I might be processing cashback for our members but in the afternoon looking at budgets, cash planning and the strategic direction of the company. I love the variety and being involved in lots of different aspects of the business.

What are some of the biggest priorities you’re focused on in your role and as a team at the moment?

It’s always a priority to make sure that NCASS remains financially strong and therefore able to support our members for the long term.

At the moment, in common with all the finance profession, we are spending time focussing on how we can responsibly use AI to streamline our processes and free up time to enable us to better support the rest of the business and ultimately our members. It’s crazy to think that we did not even have the internet when I started my career – they said it would never catch on!

How does your role as Finance Director contribute to the wider work NCASS does for its members?

Whilst it might seem that all our work is behind the scenes we contribute to members directly and indirectly. Day to day for example I ensure that cashback payments to members are made promptly. Bigger picture a financially strong business means that we can invest in the resources to advocate for and support our members.

What have you learned from working alongside the NCASS team and being part of the independent hospitality sector?

Before NCASS I had no independent hospitality experience and getting to know and understand our members has made me appreciate just how hardworking and entrepreneurial you need to be to run an independent hospitality business. During COVID their resilience and ability to pivot their businesses was inspiring.

What’s your favourite thing about working with the NCASS team?

I love working for small businesses. You get to know everyone and really feel part of everything that is going on. Without layers of management and bureaucracy you can get things done, act quickly and make a difference.

NCASS is all about the people – the atmosphere it relaxed and fun but everyone is dedicated to getting the job done and doing their best for our members.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Chocolate every time!

What would you name your food truck or hospitality business?

Has to be “The Bean Counter”, doesn’t it?

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’ve canoed on the Amazon and the Zambezi.