The company is responsible for producing Despatch boxes for the UK government, a tradition dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I. The form of the boxes, with red stained British leather and gold print, has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, since Gladstone used such a box for his budget in 1853. They have continued to be used by all subsequent chancellors, including George Ward Hunt who supposedly found his despatch box empty, having left his budget speech at home. Since this a tradition has arisen of the chancellor raising the box up outside 11 Downing Street to prove he has the box and therefore a budget for the country.