Further concerns about establishing independent locksmith businesses today....

Starting your own locksmith business can be relatively easy and in some cases set up within a week due to the lack of industry requirements. Many of today’s locksmith businesses have been set up by someone who has gone on a fast track course for a couple of days to gain the basic knowledge of what’s required to do the job then gone on to start their own company picking up further knowledge along the way at the cost of the end consumer.

Once someone has had a basic insight to the Locksmith industry the only thing left would be to purchase a van, some stock, and look to set up some clients or generate work through advertising all at a cost of under £10k.

Director of Locksmith Local ltd Mitchell Nunn commented: “Unfortunately this is a negative about the industry. Anyone, even someone unlicensed or with no CRB check, can start a locksmith business. I’m aware that the master locksmith association (MLA) is working hard with the government to stop this happening and to promote a licence which will be required to trade as a locksmith.”

If the Master locksmith association is successful in the licensing of locksmiths, starting your own locksmith business will require a lot more time, effort and money! For instance, to become a fully qualified locksmith with the MLA, you have to undergo a placement within a locksmith business for up to three years before you can apply to become a full BLI member. This then requires a four part exam and all parts have to be passed before you can call yourself a fully qualified locksmith. Then and only then you will have the opportunity to trade as a locksmith which will result in better regulations and restore confidence in the industry.