Locksmiths are responsible for opening and securing locks and other access systems. They protect your home, business premises and vehicles.
As such, a deep level of trust is paramount. An individual will be entering your property and allowing you control over who comes in and who goes out.
How do you know who you can trust? The locksmith industry in the UK isn’t technically regulated, but you’ll find independent governing bodies doing their best to bring some much-needed standards to the field. The biggest and most important of these is the Master Locksmiths Association or MLA.
This article will explain what the MLA is and why it’s so important to use an MLA member locksmith.
Is the British locksmith industry regulated?
The British locksmith industry technically isn’t regulated – at least, not at a national, governmental level. This can present a slight problem in that all locksmiths are listed equally, whether great, mediocre, poor or downright scammers.
So, what can you do?
Instead, you’ll find independent regulators. Locksmiths voluntarily sign up for these programs and standards, showing evidence of their commitment to high-quality, trusted service.
By far, the largest of these governing bodies is the Master Locksmiths Association, otherwise known as the MLA.
What does the Master Locksmiths Association do?
The Master Locksmiths Association is a locksmith governing body set up in London in 1958. It was organised to counter the lack of regulation within the industry and provide a clearer expectation of what’s expected from professionals in this field.
These days, the MLA has grown significantly and now boasts members in many countries worldwide. The motto, ‘skill and integrity’, sums up exactly what the organisation is all about.
For a locksmith to become a member of the MLA, they must prove their expertise and experience. They’re also vetted before being accepted into the governing body, with organisers able to perform CRB (DBS) checks on applicants.
It doesn’t stop there. To remain an MLA member, locksmiths must regularly complete refresher and updated training. As such, you can trust that all members are up to date on training and able to complete the vast majority of jobs first-time.
Why it’s essential to choose an MLA-approved locksmith
Using an MLA-approved locksmith means you know the individual is competent, fully trained and held to account. The result is that you’re able to trust they can complete the job to the highest degrees of quality and accuracy.
It’s important to note that the term ‘Master Locksmith’ isn’t protected. Anyone can legally call themselves a ‘master’ (even if they have no training or experience). As a result, it’s crucial to look for the specific mention of the MLA when examining a locksmith’s credentials.
The MLA has two main locksmith memberships: approved company and affiliate. Approved companies are the locksmiths, while affiliates supply these locksmiths with parts, tools, and other provisions.
How Grays Locksmiths in Nottingham can help you
Grays Locksmiths in Nottingham is approved by the MLA. We’re proud to be a member of this organisation, and all our locksmiths must meet the standards set out.
As members of the Master Locksmiths Association, you can trust us to get the job done – and done well. Our emergency on-call locksmiths are always ready to help when you’re in a pickle, whether you’re locked out of your home, or you’ve misplaced your car keys.
We also offer a wide variety of home and business security installations. These include (but aren’t limited to) alarm systems, CCTV, security lighting, shutter doors, access systems, safes and anti-snap locks.
Whoever you use for your domestic or commercial locksmith needs, go with an MLA-approved member for the best results.
Are you interested in how Grays Locksmiths can help you? For more information about our MLA membership or to learn about the services we offer, why not contact us? Call our Nottingham office on 0115 942 2315 or fill out the below form to get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you and will get back to you as soon as possible.