Patron Focus Commitment to community and purposeful growth

Chamber provides CAE Technology Services with a platform for collaboration, learning and mutual support

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, businesses need not only to innovate but also to embed themselves in the communities they serve. Richard Behan, Chief Corporate Development Officer at CAE Technology Services, embodies this philosophy.

For nearly three years, CAE Technology Services has been a Patron member of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, with Richard at the forefront of their engagement with the local business community. While his time is in high demand, Richard’s insights offer a glimpse into how CAE is driving both business and community growth.

CAE Technology Services, a company renowned for providing advanced IT solutions, made a strategic decision to move its headquarters to Hemel Hempstead, having previously been a local Chamber member in Watford. This move marked a significant milestone for CAE, aligning the company more closely with Hertfordshire’s vibrant business landscape.

Richard explains: “We joined the Herts Chamber of Commerce because I felt that becoming a Chamber Patron would play an integral part in the relationship between CAE and the wider community.”

Becoming a Patron was not just about elevating CAE’s business profile; it was a deliberate effort to foster meaningful connections with local enterprises and contribute to the broader economic and social fabric of the county.

For Richard and his team, the Hertfordshire Chamber has been more than just a networking opportunity –it’s been a platform for collaboration, learning and mutual support.

CAE’s involvement with the Chamber has brought substantial benefits, both for the company and the community.

One initiative that particularly resonates with Richard is the “Let’s Keep The Heart in Hertfordshire” campaign, which encourages local businesses to collaborate for collective growth.

He said: “Being a Patron has and will continue to help us achieve our ambition for CAE to play our part in the local community.

“The relationships CAE has forged through the Chamber are not merely transactional; they are rooted in a shared commitment to enhancing the county’s prosperity.”

Beyond business, CAE’s partnership with One YMCA is a testament to its broader mission. This collaboration has allowed CAE to contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals in the region, reflecting the company’s belief that thriving businesses are those that invest in their communities.

Richard added: “It isn’t just about business! Being a Patron has also been a catalyst for CAE to help people lead a better life.”

The technology sector is no stranger to challenges, with a growing skills gap, evolving workforce dynamics, and the ever-pressing issue of data security at the forefront.

Richard acknowledges these hurdles, noting that: “Talent, particularly around the growing skills gap, job flexibility, and shifting organisational priorities, continue to be ongoing challenges in the technology sector.”

He believes that the Chamber can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by facilitating discussions and connections with subject matter experts within the Chamber’s network.

CAE’s approach to overcoming these obstacles is rooted in collaboration and knowledge sharing. By engaging with other Chamber members, CAE has been able to stay ahead of industry trends and find solutions that benefit the company and its clients.

Looking ahead, CAE is committed to what Richard describes as “purposeful growth”. This concept is more than a business strategy; it’s a long-term vision that aligns CAE’s growth with its core values and purpose. Over the next five years, CAE plans to continue its evolution, driven by the increasing demand for digital transformation and cyber security solutions.

Richard commented: “Our new product offerings to help enable organisations to be in the best possible position regarding cyber security are a good example of that.”

A key component of CAE’s future growth is its recent investment in a software automation practice, which has been well-received by customers.

This initiative underscores CAE’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing technology landscape.

For those considering joining the Hertfordshire Chamber, Richard offers straightforward advice: “Like with most things, you get out what you put in.”

He emphasises the importance of consistent engagement and active participation in Chamber activities to fully reap the benefits of membership.

For CAE, this approach has paid off in spades, fostering connections and opportunities that continue to drive both business success and community impact.

Richard’s leadership at CAE Technology Services exemplifies how businesses can thrive when they integrate community involvement with strategic growth. As CAE continues to expand and innovate, its partnership with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of its success — one that enriches both the company and the local community.

By engaging with other Chamber members, CAE has been able to stay ahead of industry trends and find solutions that benefit the company and its clients.