CEA Technologies President David Gaul has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Export (AIEX) as a national champion of Australia’s export community, receiving the prestigious 2009/10 Australian Export Hero Award.
“Canberra Business Council nominated Mr Gaul for the Australian Export Hero Award which recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to building Australia’s position and performance in international trade” says Chris Faulks, CEO, Canberra Business Council.
David, together with his business partner Ian Croser, built CEA Technologies from a small two-person consultancy in 1983 into a company which employs over 260 staff, turning over in excess of $50 million per annum.
The Council was thrilled to hear that David’s nomination had been successful. David is represented on several management boards and continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes to support ACT and surrounding region business growth and to encourage the exploration of international markets” Chris Faulks said.
David joins the likes of Wolf Blass AM, Ambassador for Wolf Blass Wines International, John Conomos AO, former Executive Chairman of Toyota Australia and Peter Beattie, Queensland’s Trade Commissioner to the Americas, becoming only the third Export Hero from the ACT. The other ACT Export Heroes are the Hon Tim Fischer in 2001 and Canberra’s own Brand Hoff, founder of Tower Software in 2006.
David single-handedly drove CEA Technologies export business right from the company’s inception in 1983 and was entirely instrumental in setting up CEA Technologies Inc, CEA Technologies’ US presence.
But beyond CEA, David became the first President of the ACT Exporters’ Network in 2003. “He was extremely active in this role, constantly meeting with business and government representatives to further the export goals of ACT and surrounding region exporters across all industry sectors and at varying levels of export capabilities” says Brooke Anderson, Manager, ACT Exporters’ Network.
David continues to play a pivotal role in developing an export culture within CEA Technologies, local start up businesses and in the Territory generally. David’s experience has been invaluable in guiding companies like Seeing Machines through the global product development stage.
The Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC and His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE will present David Gaul and five other individuals with the 2009/2010 Australian Export Hero Award at an Induction Ceremony at Government House at 5pm on 30 April 2010.
For more information on the Australian Export Heroes Award or the 2010 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards please contact Brooke Anderson on 0400 090 452 or at brooke.anderson@canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au
ACT Exporters Winning Business in Africa
An increasing number of ACT exporters are now talking of sub-Saharan Africa as a land of opportunity.
Sentinel, an ACT-based environmental consulting company that specialises in the design, implementation and operation of remote monitoring systems has been servicing the mining industry in Africa since 2000.
“Our experience working in Africa has been terrific. Whilst demanding and challenging, our work in Africa has been fulfilling, educational and profitable” says Rod Sandison, Managing Director Sentinel.
Australian mining investment in Africa is massive and by some estimates worth more than $20 billion. Sentinel, are just one of hundreds of Australian service companies who have entered the African market to provide to provide logistical and technical support to the mining sector.
Sentinel’s longevity in Africa has much to do with the enormous short-fall in the supply of educated and experienced personnel willing to operate in harsh and security challenged countries in Africa.
“Throughout the past ten years, Sentinel has worked to develop the skills base of its local African workers as well as developing partnerships with in-country professionals” says Rod.
Significant oil discoveries recently in Ghana and Uganda mean these countries are likely to show exceptionally high growth rates and present enormous opportunities for ACT companies like Sentinel in the future.
Education & Training is another area where the ACT has much to offer Africa. The Centre for Customs & Excise Studies at the University of Canberra operates in a number of countries in East and Southern Africa.
“All our activities in Africa are run in collaboration with African partners who understand the local culture, have extensive professional networks and have the ability to tailor our products and services to meet the specific requirements of the African market” says Professor David Widdowson, CEO, Centre for Customs & Excise Studies.
Across the African continent there is a growing appreciation of the benefits of education and an acknowledgement that domestic institutions alone cannot meet the insatiable demand for knowledge and specialist training.
Despite the many challenges that exist to doing business in Africa, ACT companies remain fairly optimistic about growth in Africa.
ACT firm Corcon, produces environmentally sustainable formwork for the use in the construction of low-cost housing. Corcon are currently investigating joint venture deals in Ethiopia and the Sudan to supply low-cost and environmentally sustainable housing on behalf of the local governments.
“To be sustainable in Africa in the long-term, businesses need to have a competitive advantage. We are competing against cheaper Chinese, Indian and Middle East products and its vital we remain competitive and offer a superior alternative product” says Andy Stodulka, Managing Director, Corcon.
In 2006 Windlab Systems, a global wind energy development company were looking to break into new markets beyond Australia and New Zealand. South Africa emerged as a market that had huge potential growth in the green energy industry but at the time, the wind energy market in South Africa was completely under developed.
Windlab worked with a South African partner who was invaluable in helping the company to navigate the South African regulatory environment for renewables. “The risk we’ve borne in opening up the South African market is that these regulations have taken a while to be developed by government” said Dr Nathan Steggel, President – North America, Windlab Developments.
Windlab together with their South African partners are well poised to fully develop a number of large wind farms in South Africa over the coming years.
Africa is a largely untapped market for Australia firms and the potential for partnerships is enormous. For ACT businesses looking to explore opportunities on the African continent, South Africa with its global focus, strategic geographical location and world class infrastructure presents a highly competitive investment location and a stepping stone into opportunities in the broader African region.
Tips for ACT businesses looking to explore opportunities in Africa
For more information contact Ms Cathy Atkins, Australia-Africa Tradelinks & Networks on cathyatkins@australiaafricatradelinks.com.au or Chris Horsburgh, ACT & Region Manager, Austrade at chris.horsburgh@austrade.gov.au
The ACT Exporters’ Network is proudly sponsored by the ACT Government, Canberra Business Council, the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies and AusIndustry.