Meet the Team: Laura Bell

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, we’re finding out more about Laura Bell, as Membership Engagement Manager at NCASS she works with our members and internally to make the NCASS journey as smooth as possible.

Tell us more about how you got started with NCASS?

I’ve been part of NCASS for 9 years, starting out as an Account Manager and progressing through to Senior Account Manager and Membership Team Manager. I’m now a Membership Engagement Manager, where I focus on making sure members are getting the most out of their membership, while also looking at how we can improve and what more we can offer.

What does your role as Membership Engagement Manager involve?

My role is to ensure that members are getting everything they can from membership, but also to find out what more they might like more of and then I work internally to see how we can action this. I work across all our different departments gathering data and feedback and then actioning ideas and changes to make the member journey the best it can be.

How do you support NCASS members in their day-to-day businesses?

There is so much that NCASS does as a whole to support businesses, but for me, I’m still on the phones speaking to members (not quite as much as when I was an account manager!). I’m definitely still around for a chat and to help out with any questions or any feedback you might have for us!

What do you love most about working with independent hospitality businesses?

I love speaking to people who are truly passionate about what they do. Most members are people who love to cook, and share their dishes whether they use recipes which have been passed down through the generations, or members looking to create something completely unique. It’s amazing to be able to take away a bit of stress around the legalities and requirements (which some might call ‘the boring bits’)!

What challenges do you see members facing right now?

Rising costs. Everything just seems to cost more, which is why it’s so important for members to make sure that they are making the most of their membership. We have so many partnership schemes with the aim of saving money as well as our Digital Food Safety System App, which is by far the cheapest on the market, and a dedicated account manager. They are there to help out with any questions or queries you have – please do use them!

What’s one benefit of NCASS membership you think more people should take advantage of?

The Digital Food Safety System App! When I first started 9 years ago, a digital system to record all equipment temperatures, log daily checks and put this all together into reports for an EHO was the stuff of dreams. It’s been a reality for well over a year now and members get so excited when they realise it’s included in membership! The feedback from members using it is excellent, and if you are wondering how to get started we have loads of resources online as well as the ability to book a demo with your account manager.

How do you gather feedback from members and turn it into action?

It’s a huge bonus having been with NCASS for so long, as I know exactly who to go to within the business to get things actioned! There is a lot of communication going on between different departments and its my job to be the link between everyone.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Any kind of pasta, followed by cookies and ice cream covered in melted chocolate.

What would you name your food truck or hospitality business?

This is hard question! I’ve seen so many great names over the years and I think the best ones are catchy, funny and memorable.

Tell us a fun fact about you!

I love to travel, which is a very different experience now I have a toddler! Barcelona was definitely my favourite city break. It has such a great mix of history and culture, but the stand out for me was the food! I’m already a tapas lover, as I really enjoy having lots of small plates, so you can taste a bit of everything while chatting with friends and sharing the experience. Barcelona elevated that with pintxos, which are basically canapes served with cocktail sticks. You have a huge selection of choice and then you count up the cocktail sticks at the end and pay for what you had. Sharing a meal is the best part for me and this is by far my favourite way to eat!