Ashley Gaunt, Technical Director, Richard Gaunt, Founder, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, and Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director, celebrating the King's Award for Enterprise.

Korniche Roof Lantern: Bestowed with The King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024

A milestone in Made For Trade & Korniche history.

We’re thrilled to announce that the innovative design behind the Korniche Roof Lantern has been recognised by The King’s Award for Enterprise in the 2024 Innovation category. 

Made For Trade, the designer & manufacturer of Korniche Roof LanternsBi-fold Doors and Flat Glass Rooflights, have been bestowed the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category for 2024.

Ashley Gaunt, Technical Director, Richard Gaunt, Founder, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, and Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director, celebrating the King's Award for Enterprise.
Ashley Gaunt (Technical Director), Richard Gaunt (Founder), His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon and Bradley Gaunt (Managing Director), proudly display the King’s Award for Enterprise.

The Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern has been recognised for its innovative design, ease of installation and exceptional performance. The Roof Lantern was the first product of it’s kind, offering a simple but strong solution for bringing natural light into homes and commercial spaces across the UK.

Factory Manager Frank Donaghy guiding His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, through the Made For Trade factory, pointing at a CNC machine.
Factory Manager Frank Donaghy showcasing the advanced manufacturing processes at Made For Trade to His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon.

Made For Trade hosted a visit from Hir Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, and her team on Friday, 10th October 2024. Upon arrival, Mrs Snowdon was warmly greeted by the Gaunt family. She then proceeded to the building foyer to meet with Made For Trade staff members.

His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, in conversation with Dave Jones, Financial Director, and Paula Whitehead, Head of Procurement, at Made For Trade.
Mrs Sue Snowdon, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, engages in a productive discussion with Dave Jones, Financial Director, and Paula Whitehead, Head of Procurement, at Made For Trade.

Bradley, Ashley, and Richard Gaunt provided an informal tour of the showroom, offices, and bi-folding door factory, interacting with staff to discuss the company’s products and manufacturing processes behind the King’s Award-winning Korniche Roof Lantern. The group then returned to the foyer, where Bradley welcomed and introduced Mrs Snowdon.

Factory Manager Frank Donaghy guiding His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, through the Made For Trade factory, pointing at a CNC machine.
Factory Manager Frank Donaghy showcasing the advanced manufacturing processes at Made For Trade to His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon.

Mrs Snowdon delivered a congratulatory speech and presented the King’s Award for Enterprise to Bradley Gaunt. The accompanying scroll was presented to company founder Richard Gaunt. Following the award ceremony, a celebratory buffet was held to mark the occasion.

Richard Gaunt, Founder of Made For Trade, shaking hands with His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, as she presents him with a framed scroll from King Charles III.
A momentous handshake between Richard Gaunt and Mrs Sue Snowdon, as she presents him with a framed scroll from King Charles III.

Managing Director Bradley Gaunt, son of company founder Richard Gaunt, expressed his delight at the award. “I’m immensely proud that MFT have been awarded The King’s Awards for Enterprise in innovation. The journey we’ve been on for over 40 years, started by my father, to where we are today and the recognition that this award epitomises, is very humbling for me. We have an amazing team at Made For Trade and without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.“

Earlier this month, Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director of Made For Trade, was invited by King Charles to a reception at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024. The event celebrated recipients of the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.

As one of only 8 companies in the North East to receive the award this year, Made For Trade’s achievement underscores its position as a leader in the fenestration industry.