RICHARD BEHAN a passionate supporter of the region

Attracting and retaining talented individuals is key to any company’s strength, says Richard Behan of CAE Technology Services.

He tells Sarah Dale why being an “ambassador” for the Chamber and meeting like-minded people is integral to business growth in the region.

Born and bred in Herts, Richard Behan is a passionate supporter of the region.

He is Chief Corporate Development Officer of CAE Technology Services Ltd, founded in 1992, which has always had its headquarters based in Hertfordshire, with offices around the UK from Brighton to Glasgow. The company provides intuitive IT services to ensure clients have “more good days”, using technology to transform what they do.

With a northern hub now open in Warrington, near Manchester, and a relatively new purpose-built company-owned headquarters in Hemel Hempstead, which they moved into two years ago in October, the firm is confident about its future.

Through his role as a Patron of Herts Chamber, Richard is keen to support the business community.

“We joined the Chamber – and became Patrons shortly after – because we wanted to be able to give back to the local community,” said Richard, who has been with CAE Technology Services for the past 20 years.

“We have been in Hertfordshire for a very long time and our headquarters has always been here. We decided we could – and should –make a bigger impact.”

Being members of the Chamber has also meant that Richard and CAE Technology Services have provided invaluable support.

“Being a Patron has helped us,” he said. “The Chamber is an excellent group of people who are very supportive and dynamic. All Chamber members are encouraged and supported, and being a Patron has enhanced that experience even more.”

“I feel like an ambassador in my role, and it means that we can give back to new businesses.”

“It’s great that CAE can be successful and support its people, but we can also expand that into the local community; it’s a fantastic opportunity and I love to be able to do that.”

The most significant challenge affecting running and growing a business is attracting and retaining talent, he adds. Having a strong business model and USP is important, but it is the team behind the business that is integral to it reaching its full potential. Having a positive culture in the workplace is key to retaining employees.

“People are our most important asset,” he said.

“You need to align the right person with the right role. That’s why you need strong leadership.

“We have learned a lot and continue to grow. The culture of a company is one of the key things people look for when applying for jobs. People need to feel a sense of belonging.”

As part of its strategy to retain staff, CAE carries out regular staff surveys and provides support with development and progression.

“People need to feel like they are part of the future of the company,” he added.

“In my Patron role, I have many conversations with like-minded people in the Chamber or in the community and to anyone starting out in business, I would say go for it.”

“It’s a fantastic commitment. You need to put a lot of thought into it, and it depends on the person and their stage in life if the timing is right, but if it’s their passion and they have a business model and there is a market for their product or service, they must be confident and just go for it.”

Richard is confident of CAE’s future and the firm’s overarching strategy in the coming years is to grow further and take more of the market share. This positive outlook is shared by others in the business community, he says, adding: “There is a lot of optimism in the business community going into 2024 and I believe that will continue to grow.”