Meet the Team: Ed Lester

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!

This week we speak to Ed Lester, he’s been an Account Manager at NCASS for more than 10 years, he’s practically part of the furniture!

What’s the most rewarding part of supporting independent businesses?

Hearing how the business grows and their journey from a stall to either multiple units or sites. It’s rewarding to hear how owners start out and the lessons they learn along the way and being a part of that as an Account Manager supporting them when they need us.

What makes NCASS so beneficial to members?

Members always have access to the information they need, when they need it. We’re just at the end of the phone. They don’t have to rely on questionable forums or AI for the answer!

What’s a service or benefit you think more members should be using?

Probably the Send Company Documents section on the dashboard, which is a newly launched feature, where they can just send all their required documents and keep a record of who documents were sent to and when. For our fixed site members, I would say our partnership with EIC where they can possibly get cheaper gas and electricity.

What’s your proudest ‘member win’ moment?

I can’t really think of a specific one, as there been so many over the years. It is always great to hear when members get their 5-star hygiene rating. Whether they are a new member and it’s their first inspection or have improved their score after joining us and getting advice.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

I don’t really have one, but would never turn down red velvet cake or a Thai Curry.

What would you name your food truck?

Burger on the Orient Express.

What’s your one top tip for members?

I’d say my top tip is to really understand your numbers before you start trading. Know exactly how much each portion costs you to make, and realistically how many portions you can serve in an hour during a busy event.

That information is key when you’re looking at pitch fees, because it helps you work out your potential turnover, your overall costs on top of the pitch fee, and ultimately whether an event is actually going to be profitable for your business.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I used to keep a lot of exotic pets when I was younger and had about 25+ snakes at one time, including a 9ft pair of boa constrictors. Even after being bitten by a baby caiman, shocked by electric catfish and stung by scorpions, I’m still more hesitant of a hamster biting me than anything else.

These days I enjoy looking after my little boy and taking him to natural history museums.

I once met the Hairy Bikers at Womad one year, and a colleague said I was the long-lost hairy non-biker.