As we all know many people outside Canberra still think of the capital as a Government town. What they do not appreciate is that we have a dynamic business community many of which have taken on the world and won.
One of our success stories is CEA Technologies founded in 1983 by David Gaul and his business partner Ian Croser; then a small defence consultancy business in Canberra; now a world renowned provider of high technology systems to defence forces around the world.
It is David’s outstanding contribution to building the Territory’s position and performance in international trade over the last 30 years which has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Export (AIEX)’s through the prestigious Australian Export Hero Award.
Having left the relative security of a career in the Australian Navy, David was determined to establish an Australian owned and operated company that produced cutting edge radar and communications technology that was as good, if not better than that being imported from overseas.
At the time of establishing the business there was statistically less than a 5% chance of success for fledgling advanced technology businesses, especially one that had plans to compete on the world stage with multinationals such as Raytheon, General Dynamics and Boeing.
Despite the initial hardships, CEA underwent an amazing transformation, from a small two person consultancy to employing over 260 staff, turning over in excess of $50 million per annum.
The Australian Export Hero Award recognises David’s vision, passion and hard work in building a modern export enterprise and in helping to further develop a uniquely Australian export culture.
On behalf of the ACT Exporters’ Network, including its sponsors, the ACT Government, Canberra Business Council, the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies and AusIndustry, we congratulate David on winning this prestigious award.
Canberran recognised as Australian Export Hero
As we all know many people outside Canberra still think of the capital as a Government town. What they do not appreciate is that we have a dynamic business community many of which have taken on the world and won.
One of our success stories is CEA Technologies founded in 1983 by David Gaul and his business partner Ian Croser; then a small defence consultancy business in Canberra; now a world renowned provider of high technology systems to defence forces around the world.
It is David’s outstanding contribution to building the Territory’s position and performance in international trade over the last 30 years which has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Export (AIEX)’s through the prestigious Australian Export Hero Award.
Having left the relative security of a career in the Australian Navy, David was determined to establish an Australian owned and operated company that produced cutting edge radar and communications technology that was as good, if not better than that being imported from overseas.
At the time of establishing the business there was statistically less than a 5% chance of success for fledgling advanced technology businesses, especially one that had plans to compete on the world stage with multinationals such as Raytheon, General Dynamics and Boeing.
Despite the initial hardships, CEA underwent an amazing transformation, from a small two person consultancy to employing over 260 staff, turning over in excess of $50 million per annum.
The Australian Export Hero Award recognises David’s vision, passion and hard work in building a modern export enterprise and in helping to further develop a uniquely Australian export culture.
On behalf of the ACT Exporters’ Network, including its sponsors, the ACT Government, Canberra Business Council, the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies and AusIndustry, we congratulate David on winning this prestigious award.