LEARN AT LUNCH: Reshaping the future of food production with AI and automation

AI isn’t just for tech giants – it’s fast becoming a game-changer for food and drink businesses of all sizes. In this Learn at Lunch session, Nick Ellis from Select Technology will demystify AI and automation, showing how smart tools can tackle rising costs, labour shortages and food waste. From simple definitions to real-life examples, this practical session is designed to help you understand what’s out there, what works, and where to start.

What we’ll cover:

• Intro to AI & Automation – simple definitions, why it matters now
• Why AI Matters for Food & Drink – pressures (costs, labour, waste) and opportunities
• Tools – different tools available and uses
• The Power of the Prompt – how to get the best results from AI tools
• Key Considerations – compliance, data, integration, costs, skills, change management
• Case Study - AI and automation in practice
• Next Steps – “Start small, think big” roadmap
• Q&A – open discussion

About Nick
Nick Ellis is the lead for generative AI and innovation at Select Technology. He's spent his career supporting global and local brands to achieve more with transformative technology.

In recent years, Nick has been instrumental in helping businesses across London and the southeast unlock the power of technology to drive business growth. With a focus on AI and automation, Nick equips organisations with the tools to enable streamlined processes, increased productivity and improved customer outcomes.

Nick is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, the chair of a Kent-based food poverty charity, a neurodiversity champion and regular pub quizmaster.