Preparing For Summer with NCASS

As the first “normal” events season in three years gets underway, we wanted to make sure that you’ve dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s before you head into the arena. So, we compiled the check list below, to help ensure that you’re compliant and covered this summer.

Risk assessments – We know that red tape and admin aren’t the reason you got into hospitality, but they’re a big part of what make your business safe and compliant; and needless to say, these things are a big deal to customers, enforcement officers and event organisers alike. To ensure your risk assessments are up to date, simply login into your NCASS Dashboard. N.B: Risk assessments are completed in both company documents and the trading unit page of the unit you want to create the risk assessment for.

1. Equipment – Any event without safe, functioning equipment is a non-starter, so now would be a good time to do your due diligence and ensure that all of your equipment is working safely. If you have equipment which is due its annual safety check with a gas engineer, then book this asap. You can find a list of approved gas engineers in your NCASS Dashboard. In need of new or additional equipment? You could earn up to 6% cashback when you purchase equipment from Nisbets
2. Training – Ensuring that your staff have completed training commensurate to their position within the business should be your first line of defence in making sure that your business is safe and compliant. Anyone handling food should be trained to a minimum of L2 in Food Hygiene, with managers, supervisors and the allocated ‘Responsible Person’ having a L3 certificate. We also recommend renewing your certificates every three years, so if these are due to expire before the majority of your events get underway, now would be the perfect time to renew. Still feeling apprehensive about Covid-19? Our Covid-19 Safety Training course was designed to help you navigate your food business post-pandemic.
3. Stock – We know that fresh ingredients need to be bought as close to the time of the event as possible, but space permitting, now would be a good time to stock up on everything from dried goods to cutlery and spices. And remember, NCASS members can earn up to 3% cashback on their purchases from Booker/Makro
4. Contracts and pitch fee agreements – We know, we know, we’ve harped on about the importance of having a contract in place before you trade at an event for years; but in these post-covid days, this is more important now than ever. Take your time, read the small print, and make sure you’re happy with all of the terms before going ahead. If you’ve got preferences about where you’d like to be sited for instance, discuss this with the event organiser well in advance of the day and make sure your agreement is in writing. We’re lucky to work in an industry where community is key and being hospitable is the name of the game; that being said, a verbal contract won’t stand you in good stead if you want to query something you had previously agreed on. Get your contracts completed in advance, so that on the day of the event, you can focus on the things you do best – like making great grub and speaking to your customers.

And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help, simply give us a call on 0300 124 6866. 

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