Knutsford luxury door company opens showroom in King Street

Luxury door company Aperture has invested £150,000 to bring ‘the best bespoke doors money can buy’ to Cheshire.

The new business on King Street is the only supplier in England of state-of-the-art doors crafted by Polish manufacturer Wisniowski.

Couple Doug Carter, 50, and Lillie Pragnell, 38, from Middlewich, launched their venture with a champagne reception.

Lillie Pragnell and Doug Carter join former Knutsford mayor Cllr Stewart Gardener as he cuts a ribbon to officially open their new showroom (Image: Aperture Luxury Doors)

“We are one of the rare couples who work together, live together and parent together,” said Doug.

“We have four boys between us, this is very much a family business.

“We are really excited bringing this unique product to the market that nobody else is offering.

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“Our clients have all been wowed by it.”

Aluminium doors, he believes, provide security and economic benefits.

“The way these doors are hinged and mounted, it is virtually impossible to kick them in,” said Doug.

“They can be opened with a fingerprint or on an app on your phone.

“They also offer advanced video entry.

“Aluminium is the best material to use on windows and doors.

“It has twice the energy efficiency. When it is really cold it keeps heat in the house and should last in excess of 40 years.

“They were ugly in years gone but now they are really attractive with hundreds of finishes including wood grain effects.

“Our doors start from £1,500 up to £20,000. We have something to suit everyone’s budget.”

Lillie Pragnell and Doug Carter with former Knutsford mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner at the ribbon cutting ceremony (Image: Aperture Luxury Doors)

Customers come first, he stressed, and there is no ‘high pressure selling’.

Doug worked for Next fashion retailer for 13 years before being headhunted by HSBC Bank.

“Working in retail and banking has taught me how to treat customers and keep them forever,” he said.

“We are very transparent and honest. We tell you what every component costs.

“We have a lounge at the back of the showroom and invite people to come in and have a cup of tea.

“We make a brew and chat to clients to find out what they want achieve.

“We treat people how we want to be treated.”

A specialist team of eight fitters, all been trained in Poland by Wisniowski, now operate within 60 miles of the new store.

The pair eventually hope to have 15 showrooms across the country.

“Knutsford will always be the head office as we grow,” said Doug.

“We are here for the long haul.

“We can’t wait to show everyone how stunning our doors really are.”