Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director of Made For Trade – a leading manufacturer of home aluminium systems – was invited by King Charles to a reception at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 9th July 2024. The event celebrated recipients of the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.
King Charles shares a light moment with Made For Trade’s Managing Director Bradley Gaunt at the reception for recipients of The King’s Award For Enterprise 2024.
The King welcomed a diverse group of British businesses to his Windsor residence for a reception honouring their innovative achievements. This year’s King’s Award winners, spanning from industry veterans to exciting start-ups, were celebrated for their exceptional products and services. As one of the nation’s highest accolades for business, The King’s Award grants recipients the prestigious right to display the award emblem for the next five years.
A view of the historic Upper Ward within Windsor Castle.
Made For Trade has been recognised for its innovative Korniche Roof Lantern, earning one of three King’s Awards for Innovation presented to North East businesses. The company’s revolutionary Aluminium Roof Lantern, a game-changing solution for illuminating flat roof extensions with natural light, was singled out for this prestigious award.
A picturesque view of Windsor Castle framed by an archway, with the iconic Long Walk stretching towards the horizon.
A Family Business Success Story
Celebrating it’s 40th anniversary in 2023, Made For Trade boasts manufacturing facilities in Wynyard, Stockton and Hartlepool.
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.“
Made For Trade’s story is one of remarkable family entrepreneurship. Bradley took the reins of the business from his father at the age of 23, armed with an engineering degree and 18 months of industry experience. Facing challenging economic times, Bradley found the company downsized to only 11 employees. However, his vision and determination led to a turnaround.
The innovative spirit runs strong in the Gaunt family. Bradley’s brother Ashley, previously a chassis designer for an Italian car company, played a key role in designing the award-winning lantern roof. Sister Lois has also joined the company, contributing her talents in customer services.
This King’s Award win marks a significant milestone for Made For Trade, a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to excellence in the fenestration industry.
