*written by a human 
Over 4,800 new generative AI tools were launched globally in 2025 alone, a 35% increase from last year. In a world full of AI noise, education professionals need less technology for technology’s sake and more innovation that genuinely helps. At CRB Cunninghams, our focus is simple: innovation that serves.
So rather than chasing the latest AI trends, we ask: what’s genuinely helpful? How can AI actually make life easier for schools, caterers, and the people who rely on mission-critical catering systems every day?
Faster answers when you need them most
We’re not replacing our amazing customer support team with AI; we’re using AI to get you to the right human faster. During the busy school day, getting the support you need shouldn’t take up hours of your time.
Meet AI Alex, the AI agent helping our support technicians give customers the answers, guidance and real human help they need, over the phone. You can find him in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Here’s what happens when you phone us:
What does this actually mean for schools?
A frictionless support experience that answers your questions and gets you back on track faster. In September alone, AI Alex answered over 600 “how to” questions and everyday queries, guiding school users through their systems step-by-step, and connecting them with the right support technician when needed. This is how, whether answering your question directly or freeing up a support expert to help you faster, AI Alex helps schools get back to what matters sooner.
During the busiest calendar month for back-to-school support, the stats speak for themselves:
Listen to real-life feedback from customers
With the UK’s largest helpdesk and a 98% customer satisfaction rating, September highlighted the trust and appreciation customers place in our support, training, installation, and engineering teams.
Hear what schools are saying:
Who will I meet next?
Get ready to say hello to AI Elaine. Recently rolled out within our EasiChecks kitchen compliance tool, Elaine supports easy onboarding and support for new users directly within the app.
AI Elaine was inspired by one of our customers who needed a quick way to onboard staff and get them up to speed with the new software. Together, we created a smarter way to help others onboard easily and even named the new AI tool after her. Thanks to Elaine, schools throughout the UK will get more out of their systems from day one.
Have an idea? Help inspire the next development
Every AI tool we create starts with a real person’s story. Do you have a problem that AI could help with? Let us know your thoughts below, and who knows, the next member of our AI team could be named after you!
A reminder of how to get in touch:
- Visit our Customer Support Portal to contact our Support team, track a ticket, or view help articles, how-to guides, and videos.
- Speak with AI Alex; you can start a chat in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
Further reading:
