Pioneering Innovation Since 1995
In 1995, as the world embraced major digital breakthroughs like eBay and Bluetooth, CRB Cunninghams introduced a game-changer in school dining: the UK’s first cashless catering system. Thirty years on, they remain a driving force in education technology, delivering innovative, secure, and inclusive catering solutions to over 3,300 schools across the UK.
The Beginning of Cashless in Schools
It all began at St Margaret’s Academy in West Lothian. CRB Cunninghams implemented the original cashless system to speed up lunch service and ensure anonymity for pupils receiving free school meals. It was a forward-thinking move that reduced queues, simplified payments, and improved the school dining experience for everyone.
Following its success at St Margaret’s, the system was rolled out across all 76 schools in the region—65 primary and 11 secondary—solidifying a strong partnership between West Lothian Council and CRB Cunninghams that still thrives today.
Three Decades of Technological Advancements
CRB Cunninghams have consistently evolved their offering to meet the ever-changing needs of schools, pupils, and parents. Here are just a few key innovations over the years:
- Centralised cashless catering and payment management
- Online payments and contactless meal pre-ordering
- Modern payment options, including Google Pay and Apple Pay
- Nutritional analysis and compliant menu planning
- Self-service meal ordering via interactive touchscreens
- Facial recognition and mobile wallet transactions
- Real-time analytics and reporting across school estates
These advancements reflect CRB Cunninghams’ long-standing commitment to delivering Innovation That Serves.
“We would face huge challenges to deliver service without the cashless system. It saves time, improves accuracy, and supports every pupil.”
— Jamie Fisher
Looking to the Future
From one school in West Lothian to thousands nationwide, CRB Cunninghams’ journey is marked by a commitment to innovation, partnership, and student wellbeing. As education continues to evolve, they remain focused on delivering future-ready solutions that empower schools to thrive.
Explore 30 years of innovation and what’s next in school catering
Visit crbcunninghams.co.uk to discover their full suite of solutions and how they can support your school or trust.
