Made For Trade secures King’s Award for Innovation 2024

Established in 1965, The King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most distinguished business commendation.

The award continues HM Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy and celebrates businesses that pioneer innovation, sustainable practices, and social mobility. Receiving the award is a testament to Made For Trade’s commitment to forging solutions for industry products. 

Made For Trade’s Korniche has established the business as a national operation despite its base in the north–east of England. It has moved from a fabricator of third-party systems to a business that designs, engineers, and builds its own products at scale.  

Before the introduction of the Korniche Roof Lantern, the market was saturated with inefficient PVC-clad aluminium systems that were not only thermally inefficient but also required extensive manual adjustments, such as drilling and cutting, which made their installation process cumbersome. In stark contrast, the Made For Trade solution is designed for streamlined installation, taking just minutes to fit and glaze compared to pre-existing and competitor products. 

Features and benefits 

We take a look at the specific design features that enhance the product’s functionality, appeal and user-friendly design:

End Caps: For a sleek, refined appearance, these are installed with no visible fixings. 
Unique Glazing Retainer: The revolutionary design prevents glass from slipping and masks the glass edge, whilst simplifying the installation process. 
Assembling Mechanism: To ensure quick and reliable assembly, single fix bolts and die-cast aluminium components with steel helicoils are used to avoid cross-threading. 
Innovative Boss Design: A patent-granted design replicates a traditional timber “bird’s mouth” joint, allowing for a virtually seamless and aesthetically pleasing connection.

Broadening horizons 

Having tackled previous industry limitations, the Korniche Roof Lantern has raised the bar for installation ease, thermal efficiency, and sleek design aesthetics. It has appeals to a broad market of builders and roofers. Thanks to its effortless installation, trade and end consumers benefit from increased efficiency and reduced costs. Furthermore, the ‘KwikQuote’ online tool continues to amplify the customer experience, allowing the manufacturer to expand its operational reach. Trade clients can offer instant pricing, allowing improved sales processes and refined customer satisfaction. 

Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director, Made For Trade  said: “As the managing director of Made For Trade, I’m delighted to announce that we’ve won the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation. At Made For Trade, innovation is our top priority. Winning this award validates our team’s hard work and dedication. It boosts our reputation and opens up new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Thanks to everyone at Made For Trade for their passion and commitment. Together, we’ll keep innovating and achieving success.”