You can download the MLA Press Releases direct from this website. Click on the document to download the file.

MLA team up with the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (8 May 2012)
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has just announced an important new partnership with The Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch Network (NHWN) who represent schemes across England and Wales. United by a common mission to promote safer communities, the organisations will work closely together to promote domestic security. (Click on title for full details)

Rogue Locksmith ordered to pay back £700k (3 May 2012)
A rogue locksmith has been ordered to pay £700,000 following a five-year investigation into his criminal operation in London. The MLA have been at the forefront of the campaign to catch and convict the locksmith in question, having not only assisted in various Rogue Trader TV programmes he was featured on but also providing specialist witness service during the trial. The MLA are glad to see this sort of punishment given.

MLA reaches out to more Police Forces (25 April 2012)
The MLA is delighted to be helping more Police forces to understand more about the standards relating to locks created to counter the latest burglary methods. Having established a great working relationship with West Yorkshire Police, this is now expanding with presentations, meetings and discussions already held, or planned to be held, with North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire forces, Greater Manchester Police and the MET. The information will enable crime reduction officers and architectural liason officers to be better informed on the latest lock related standards such as SS312 Diamond, TS007, BS3621 etc.

MLA assist BBC at the request of West Yorkshire Police (20 February 2012)
The Master Locksmiths Association was delighted to have been asked to be involved in the production of a feature for BBC Inside Out (aired tonight) on a particular method of entry being used in West Yorkshire. Taking obvious care in what was said and filmed, the MLA were able to highlight to the BBC film crew how this relatively simple and quick method is not something to be afraid of, but something the public should be aware of, calling their local MLA licensed locksmith to perform a security survey to see whether their property is susceptible to this particular type of method, who if it is, will easily solve the problem by fitting a Sold Secure Diamond Approved Cylinder.

Whilst there is a british standard that has just been launched, renowned security product test & approval company Sold Secure has had a standard for over 12 months that deals with this particular issue, and a number of products have already been tested and approved to the Sold Secure Cylinder Diamond standard.

The MLA have been working with West Yorkshire Police for a while now with agreement from the police that they will see the standards set by the MLA for their licensed and inspected companies for locksmithing in the same light as they do the NSI and SSAIB when it comes to alarms. West Yorkshire Police have also been recommending the use of Sold Secure Diamond approved Cylinders for a while now and will add British Standard approved cylinders as and when there are any that get approved.

If in doubt contact your local MLA licensed locksmith who will be able to keep your property secure and your mind at rest. Details of cylinders that are currently approved to Sold Secure Diamond can be found on the Sold Secure website www.soldsecure.com where you can click on the Approved Products Search area in the top menu and then select Lock Cylinders Diamond from the drop down grading box.

MLA at Policing & Security (31 January 2012)
The MLA is proud to be present at Policing & Security 2012 (formally known as the HOSDB exhibition). This prestigous government sponsored event gives the association the opportunity to promote the use of MLA licensed locksmiths to the various government departments and police forces visiting the show.

Moulding the future of the Private Security Industry - have you got involved? (21 October 2011)
Skills for Security (the sector skills body for the Private Security Industry) are currently undertaking a major research exercise looking at the future skills and training needs of the private security industry.
As part of this research, they would like to invite sector companies to take part in a short on-line survey examining issues to do with recruitment activity, skills of the current workforce, training and apprenticeships.
By taking part in this short survey you will be helping Skills for Security and its partners to better understand your future needs and develop initiatives which meet them.
To take part in this short survey please visit: http://worcester-research.limequery.com/index.php?sid=76156&newtest=Y&lang=en
The deadline for responding to the survey is Friday 28th October

DON’T LOCK OUT THIS UK HOME SECURITY WEEK (27 September 2011)
With UK Home Security Week upon us (24 – 30 September) the UK’s leading trade association for the locksmithing profession is advising homeowners to consider locks and keys in the equation when reviewing their home security.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is warning homeowners that, although UK Home Security Week is a welcome reminder of the importance of reviewing security, they should be wary of taking on some of the jobs better left to the professionals.
(Click on the title to download the full release)

MLA presents to the vehicle insurance industry (20 September 2011)
The MLA were delighted to have been invited to attend a meeting with vehicle insurers and the home office today. A presentation was given by MLA Technical Manager Justin Freeman on the background work being done by the association to try and assist police the matter of vehicle security data as well as highlight some common misconceptions relating to vehicle security to the audience.

MLA Expo 11 - the best Expo yet! (17 September 2011)
Feedback from the highly successfull MLA Expo 11 has been extremely positive with exhibitors and visitors alike highlighing how beneficial they found the show. Record pre-registration numbers fed through into increased footfall and the numbers of exhibitors was also up. This combined with the significant number of training seminars being run at the event have cemented MLA Expo's position as the Number 1 Locksmith's Exhibition in the UK.

AGM News - new directors & president (25 June 2011)
The MLA's AGM today saw Tim Hart retire from the board and Val Stokes retire as president. The board would like to thank them for all their hard work over the past years.
Peter Wosahlo has joined the board, with Jeff Turner and Dave Crossman staying on as board directors too.
The board are also pleased to announce that Gary Eckersall will be the new President of the Association.

Locksmith NOS Approved (21 April 2011)
The National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Locksmiths have been approved by the regulator UKCES which gives the green light for the qualification and apprenticeship framework project. (Click on the title to download the full release)

MLA at HOSDB (22 March 2011)
The MLA is once again exhibiting at HOSDB. The event provides an excellent platform for the promotion of the use of MLA licensed locksmiths to the hundreds of Police, Government and Military personnel who visit the show looking for information and guidance relating to physical security.

MLA to develop Nationally Recognised Qualification and Apprenticeship Framework (22 March 2011)
The MLA has long been concerned with the unregulated nature of the locksmithing industry and in particular the training that is available. To add to this the fact that Locksmithing is not a recognised profession (no SIC code or formal recognition through qualifications or apprenticeships) has also been a major bug bear of the association. To this end the MLA is embarking upon a project to help legitimise the profession by working in collaboration with the Sector Skills body (Skills for Security) and funding the development of a nationally recognised qualification and apprenticeship framework. For more information click on the title to download the press release)

Home Office Visit (16 March 2011)
The 16th of March 2011 saw the MLA host a visit to its head office facility and subsidiary company Sold Secure by Home Office personnel. Keen on understanding more about the vital role the MLA play in the security industry, it enabled them to highlight the importance of 3rd party accreditation of locksmiths and security products, understand the dangers of un-regulated training and was prompted by the backing given by James Brokenshire, the minister for Crime Reduction, to their recent Handbook. This visit was an excellent demonstration of the standing that the association holds within industry and Government circles.

MLA Promoted to Insurers (10 March 2011)
Today saw a presentation to 20 insurance surveyors from one of the UKs largest insurers given by MLA staff. The presentation included information on the various lock related standards as well as providing information on what products should be specified for which applications. It also enabled the MLA to highlight the importance of using vetted, inspected and qualified locksmiths.

Government Backs MLA (11 February 2011)
The UK’s biggest locksmithing trade association has further cemented its position as one of the country’s leading security experts with a stamp of approval from the Home Office.
The coalition Government’s James Brokenshire MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Prevention has praised the work of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and invited the association to contribute to shaping the voluntary and regulatory options for improving home security in Britain. (Click on the title to download the full press release)

MLA joins Social Networks (31 January 2011)
The MLA has now got an updated Facebook page (search for Master Locksmiths Association to link to us) as well as a twitter account (@MLA_locksmiths).
Follow us for the latest MLA news and for hints and tips on security.

New MLA Handbook Launched (12 January 2011)
With an introduction from a member of parliament, articles from the association of chief police officers and the insurance industry all promoting the MLA and various articles about the MLA itself, the MLA’s new format Handbook has just been released.
This significant step forward in professionalism takes the Trade Directory to a new level and promotes the association and it’s approved company members in a truly positive light.
Contact MLA head office to get a copy.

MLA takes action against logo abuse (19 December 2010)
The MLA has been busy working with Trading Standards to take action against companies abusing the MLA logo. Companies who aren’t members are not only committing the criminal offence of trademark infringement, but are also infringing the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations as well as other regulations regarding misleading advertising. With the increased awareness of the MLA logo then companies may be tempted to use the logo even if they aren’t members and therefore don’t meet the criteria of being an MLA approved company. Trading Standards are cracking down on this, even going as far as contacting web hosting companies for the removal of company websites.
To check the vailidity of a company's claim of membership check the find a locksmith section on the MLA's homepage

MLA and Sun Online Business Directory team up to provide best advice (16 November 2010)
In conjunction with the Sun Online Business Directory, Touch Local have partnered with the Master Locksmiths Association to highlight the importance of using fully qualified and vetted tradesmen.
A new feature on the Sun Online Business Directory allows users to search for MLA approved locksmith companies via a quicklink on the directory homepage. In addition, all approved company members of the MLA advertised on the Sun directory will have the MLA logo as an endorsement on their profile – a clear indicator that they have met the strict approval criteria of the UK’s leading association for locksmiths.

MLA Presents to Insurance Industry (6 October 2010)
The MLA today lead a presentation to a select security related audience including senior representatives from 7 major insurers. The presentation centred on the standards that relate to locks and the importance of getting specialist information from MLA Licensed Locksmiths when it comes to expert advice on, and fitting of, locks and other security products.
The presentation included a section on the importance of using 3rd party tested and accredited security products. It featured the first presentation to the insurance industry of the revised Sold Secure SS312 standard for lock cylinders; the first specification to cover the current methods of entry used by burglars.

Master Locksmiths designed to be secure (29 September 2010)
The leading trade association for the locksmithing profession is further cementing its position as one of the UK’s leading security experts by forging a new partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is the latest organisation to become an Affiliate Trade Association member of ACPO’s Secured by Design (SBD) initiative. SBD promotes the use of security standards and looks at implementing crime prevention measures at the design and refurbishment stages of commercial and residential development to ensure long-term security measures are in place.
Click on the title to download the full release.

Revving up interest in Auto Locksmithing (16 September 2010)
This November sees The Master Locksmiths Association, the Auto Locksmiths Association
and The European Locksmiths Federation joining forces to host the biggest and most highly
anticipated auto locksmithing convention in the Europe.
Hilton Manchester Airport hotel will play host to the first ever international Auto Convention
on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 November 2010. Exhibitors and hundreds of visitors will gather
to discuss the latest auto locksmithing developments, visit exhibitor stands, network and
attend training classes.

Rogue Locksmith Sentenced (31 August 2010)
In what was one of the worst cases of fraud Trading Standards have ever seen, former ‘locksmith’ Mark Makowski is facing the start of a four year sentence behind bars. As Westminster City Council, Westminster Trading Standards and the Master Locksmiths Association see their hard work in bringing the case to court, come to fruition.

Latest Minimum Security Guidelines Launched (17 August 2010)
The MLA has launched its latest "Guidelines for Minimum Security Requirements for Domestic Property".
This excellent document outlining what hardware requirements you should have to protect your home can be downloaded free of charge from the MLA's website at www.locksmiths.co.uk/homeSecurity

MLA Launch Continued Professional Development scheme for members (2 August 2010)
The leading trade association for the locksmithing industry has reinforced its commitment to members as it launches a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) CPD programme encourages members of the association to develop skills and broaden their knowledge on an ongoing basis. It is the first formal CPD programme to be launched by a locksmithing association.

MLA help crack down on rogue locksmith (23 July 2010)
One of the UK’s most notorious rogue traders Mark Makowski faces time behind bars as Westminster City Council and Westminster Trading Standards win a landmark case against the rogue locksmith thanks to the help of the MLA.
Makowski who has previously been investigated by BBC’s Rogue Traders, was found guilty to 13 accounts of fraud at the Old Bailey yesterday (22 July 2010). The jury ruled he was responsible for installing inferior products, charging a premium rate to unsuspecting customers and operating under a number of company names in the biggest case brought against a ‘locksmith’.
Click the title above for the full report.

MLA & Thatcham setting standards for EU ruling (12 July 2010)
A European Union (EU) ruling which could give greater access to the security codes required to start modern vehicles has undergone a security check as three of the UK’s leading security names join forces to trial a proposed vetting system.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) alongside the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and Motor Insurance Repair and Research Centre - Thatcham have launched the Thatcham Registered Auto Locksmith (TRAL) Scheme. The scheme ensures UK vehicle security is not compromised by an EU ruling which would make the security data needed to start cars more readily available.

Master Locksmiths Association helps our heroes (19 April 2010)
Help for Heroes, a charity set up to support wounded Servicemen and women, has received a welcome boost after receiving a cheque for £3,500 from members of the London Region of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). Download the press release by clicking on the title for more information.

MLA at HOSDB 2010 (16 March 2010)
The MLA are delighted to once again be present at the Home Office Scientific Development Branch's HOSDB 2010 exhibition. As the UK's main event for displaying the latest security equipment for law enforcement and public security, the HOSDB exhibition focuses on the four key Home Office business areas: Crime and Policing, Security and Counter Terrorism, Identity Management and Border Security. By being present the MLA was able to promote the use of MLA approved companies to the relevant Government bodies attending the event.

MLA Exhibits at ACPO Event (26 January 2010)
The Master Locksmiths Association is delighted to be exhibiting at the Association of Chief Police Officers Secured By Design training event being held at Nottingham over the next 3 days. This event for Architecutural Liaison Officers and Crime Prevention Design Advisers is the ideal outlet for promoting the use of MLA licensed locksmiths. A number of police officers attending the event confirmed they promote the use of MLA locksmiths and were keen to obtain the latest MLA Approved Companies Directory from the MLA stand.

85 per cent of lock safety advice unsatisfactory (6 January 2010)
Eighty five per cent of Focus, Homebase and B&Q staff approached in a mystery shopper experiment offered shoddy advice on lock requirements, new research reveals today (11 December 2009).
Commissioned by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) the mystery shopper investigation found that 63 per cent of staff in some of the UK’s best known DIY outlets rated poorly when it came to lock knowledge; while only 15 per cent of ‘shoppers’ would rate advice received as satisfactory

MLA at Secure London Conference (28 October 2009)
Once again leading the way for locksmiths in the security industry the MLA attended the Secure London Conference. Presentations were given by numerous well known industry experts and personalities including the Head of Security for the Olympic Delivery Authority and the Deputy Mayor of London. Feedback from the conference is provided to MLA members to help them look at potential business opportunities. One amazing snippet of information is that there's a national standard for K9 security. Interesting that there's a standard for dogs but other than the MLA's licensing scheme - nothing for locksmiths, the people with the knowledge to gain access to your property!

MLA attends Skills for Security Conference (20 October 2009)
The MLA were present at their Sector Skills Body (Skills for Security) main conference held at Hendon RAF museum on the 20th of October. This interesting mixture of presentations and Q&A sessions looked at various issues including the background to the SIA licensing scheme and future plans, as well as asking the audience about their desire to see things such as the licensing of training providers, something the MLA would encourage in the very much unregulated world of locksmith training.

Brits at risk from rogue locksmiths (13 October 2009)
Experts issue safety warning as research reveals over 60 per cent of locksmiths currently working in the UK are unlicensed.
As the authoritative body for the locksmithing industry the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is calling on consumers to consider if they are inadvertently giving one of the country’s 6,500 unlicensed locksmiths unregulated access to their homes and businesses.

Experts warn of gaps in student security (21 September 2009)
Copied keys and substandard locks could be putting over 400,000 British students at risk of burglary, assault, fraud and worse still, experts warn this Freshers week.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is calling on universities and landlords to consider if the type of locks fitted in student halls of residents and flats meet industry standards and if spare keys left in the hand of previous occupants are putting students at risk.

MLA at Home Office to discuss Vehicle Security (22 July 2009)
The MLA continued it's lobbying campaign by meeting Alan Campbell, minister for Crime Reduction, and numerous Home Office staff yesterday to discuss vehicle security. Capitalising on recent meetings in Europe, discussions were held on the availability of vehicle security data and the importance of ensuring this is only passed on to appropriately accredited personnel. The MLA is working with various vehicle manufacturers, insurers and police representatives to ensure the significant amount of effort put into the Vehicle Security Data Group over the past years is maximised and the security of UK vehicles is not compromised.

MLA uses ruling to issue warning (13 July 2009)
The Master Locksmiths Association is warning members of the public and businesses to be on their guard when using the services of unlicensed locksmiths.
The warning comes following the Governments ruling which comes into force this week (w/c 13th July 2009) that the Master Locksmiths Association is now entitled to carry out standard Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks into the backgrounds of its members and would be locksmiths applying for MLA training or licences.
This is yet further proof of how the MLA is helping to regulate the locksmithing industry and shows the emphasis that the government puts on the MLA.
(The full press release is attached - click on the title to download the PDF)

MLA at Business Watch Crime Reduction Event (1 July 2009)
The MLA were delighted to have been invited to exhibit at today's Business Watch Crime Reduction event run by the Hampshire constabulary. Another event where the importance of using an MLA licensed locksmith can be promoted to end users.

MLA's Burglary Victim Initiative (16 June 2009)
Following on from the involvement the MLA has had with the Government's Real Help in Hard Times campaign, a large number of MLA licensed locksmith companies have signed up to the MLA's own burglary victim discount initiative. A minimum of 10% discounts is being offered by participating members to those who have unfortunately been the victims of crime (based on the provision of a crime reference number). To find your nearest participating member visit the dedicated web page by clicking on the Real Help in Hard Times link on the MLA's homepage www.locksmiths.co.uk

New Chairman at the MLA (15 June 2009)
Roger Barratt was voted in as the new Chairman of the Master Locksmiths Association at the board meeting after the associations AGM. Roger, who runs Gemini Lock & Safe in Bedford, first entered the industry in 1989. Soon seeing the benefit of belonging to the industry's leading association he joined the MLA as a student member in 1991 and went on to pass his BLI exam in 1994. In 1998 Roger lead his company through the stingent criteria to become an approved company member of the association. Roger has been on the board of directors for 2 years and takes over the role of chairman from Nigel Rose.

New Affiliate Director (14 June 2009)
Nigel Rose has stepped down from the MLA board of Directors and has been replaced as Affiliate Director by Colin George. Colin has been in the security industry since 1989. He had his own business until 2002, during which time he worked with a variety of locksmiths on a rural protection programme. He is a marketing man by profession and has also had businesses in the event management and motivation sectors. Colin joined KABA in June 2007 and is responsible for business development in the locksmith and AI sectors.

MLA present at National Vehicle Crime Conference 2009 (20 May 2009)
The MLA is exhibiting at the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators National Vehicle Crime Conference 2009. This 2 day event attracts senior practitioners, opinion formers and a healthy cross section of key players from the motorcycles, road haulage, leisure, salvage, insurance and motor manufacturing industries and is the ideal venue for promoting the vital role that the association plays in the vetting of auto locksmiths.

MLA to be heavily involved in NOS creation for Locksmiths (18 May 2009)
The Master Locksmiths Association will be heavily involved along with Skills for Security in the creation of dedicated National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the industry. Justin Freeman, the MLA's technical manager, along with a number of members will be present on the consultation committee for the creation of what is usually seen as the first step towards nationally recognised qualifications.

MLA drive forward the Locksmiths Employers Consultation Group (7 May 2009)
The MLA took a lead role today with the launch of the first ever Locksmiths Employers Consultation Group meeting at Skills for Security in Worcester. The meeting was held to discuss the way forward for the industry with particular reference to the creation of a dedicated suite of National Occupational Standards, the need for nationally recognised qualifications as well as the potential for formal apprenticeships to be created.

MLA Attends Serious Acquisitive Crime Conference (28 April 2009)
The MLA attended the Serious Acquisitive Crime conference held at Le Meridien in London today. This event, attended by a significant number of police and local government and council representative was an excellent opportunity for the MLA to help promote the use of appropriately licensed locksmiths, as well as to catch up with a number of ACPO and Home Office contacts.

MLA invited to 2nd meeting of the RHHT initiative (27 March 2009)
Following significant campaigning by the MLA, the vital role that appropriately licensed locksmiths play in home security has been vindicated by the inclusion of the MLA in the second Real Help in Hard Times meeting held today at the Houses of Parliament. The MLA's presence enabled them to highlight the specialist advice and vital fitting service that licensed locksmiths can provide, something the Government agreed with as demonstrated by the agreement to include the MLA's website details on the burglary packs being prepared by the Home Office.
A significant victory for the MLA and the locksmithing industry.

Opposition MPs help MLA campaign (18 March 2009)
Opposition MPs have joined the MLA's call for locksmiths to be involved in the Home Office's Real Help in Hard Times campaign. This culminated with the question being asked directly to the Home Office in a parliamentary debate as to why the MLA weren't involved (see www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090318/text/90318w0006.htm)

HOSDB 09 Exhibition (4 March 2009)
The MLA were invited to exhibit at the prestigious HOSDB 09 exhibition at RAF Halton. Being the only association present, the event was extremely successful in cementing the MLA as the association of choice for members of the security arena. A number of extremely positive comments were received from exhibition attendees who were delighted to see the MLA present and who confirmed that they promote the use of MLA licensed locksmiths.

MLA Questions why Locksmiths not involved in Government's initiative (27 February 2009)
The MLA has questioned by locksmiths, who can provide specialist technical knowledge, were not involved in the Real Help in Hard Times initiative launched by the Home Secretary. The advice and products available through appropriately licensed locksmiths, along with the vital fitting aspect is surely vital to the security of the general public and yet this specialised sector has been left out of the initiative. The MLA has started a campaign to rectify this by getting in touch with a number of its Government and senior Police contacts to try and rectify the situation.

MLA invited to participate in NOS development for Physical Security (22 February 2009)
The MLA has been invited to take part in the consultation group involved in creating dedicated National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the physical security industry. These standards, managed by Skills for Security, the sector skills body for the security industry, define the level of competence needed for a particular job role or occupation. They cover the key activities undertaken within the occupation in question and under all the circumstances the job holder is likely to encounter. NOS are viewed by modern managers as an indispensable tool for managing a highly skilled workforce. They are used widely to support individual and organisational development and quality assurance at all levels. They provide benchmarks of good practice across the UK.

Local MEP visits the MLA (20 February 2009)
Chris Heaton Harris, MEP for the Daventry area visited the Master Locksmiths Association today. Impressed with the facilities and the vital role the MLA plays in the security arena Chris had already had prior knowledge of the importance of security, especially in the automotive field, having been involved in the debate at the European Parliament on the introduction of the Euro V regulations with the potential knock on effects on vehicle security

MLA Exhibits at Totally Secure (21 January 2009)
The Master Locksmiths Association once again showed it's leading status within the industry by being the only association to be present at the Totally Secure exhibition at Earls Court.

MLA at Brussels for work on Auto Locksmith Accreditation (15 December 2008)
Today sees the start of the "European Phase" of the auto security data work that it has been heavily involved with in the UK via the VSDG. This will be the first of a series of meetings with the European parliament, manufacturers, insurers and interested parties to create a safe and secure way of transferring vehicle security data to accredited personnel. The MLA is delighted to be forging ahead with the locksmithing side of it which is being seen as the template to use across Europe.

1st C&G Certificates and ELCAS Accreditation (11 November 2008)
Having a long history of providing training to locksmiths, the MLA is delighted to announce that following on from the recent awarding of City & Guilds “Approved Centre” status (No. 027758), the first set of certificates for the MLA’s tailored City & Guilds award in Basic Locksmithing (No. 1841) have been issued.
To add to the City & Guilds recognition, The MLA has also recently been approved as a training provider for the Enhanced Learning Credits system (No. 1681) enabling those leaving the armed forces to get their training partially funded.

Sold Secure Sponsors MLA Expo 09 (6 November 2008)
Sold Secure, the leading certification body for security products, has been announced as the sponsor for MLA Expo 09. Roger Barratt, the Chairman of Sold Secure, stated "We're delighted to be in a position to sponsor the main physical security event of the year, and feel that it will be an excellent way of promoting the Sold Secure brand.

MLA Expo 09 launched (1 September 2008)
Due to the phenomenal success of MLA Expo 08, the main locksmithing and
physical security show in the UK which is normally biennial, the exhibition is
being repeated in from the 25th to the 27th of September 2009. Due to its central
location in the UK the event will stay at the Telford International Centre for 2009. More information is available from the dedicated Expo website at www.locksmiths.co.uk/expo

MLA Appoints Technical Manager (1 August 2008)
The MLA has appointed Justin Freeman as it's first Group Technical Manager. His role will include representing the association and it's members at the numerous standards and technical committees it sits on, as well as providing technical support to members and the general public. Justin, who starts in the role on the 1st of September, joins having had 15+ years experience in the lock industry including time at Henry Squires, Mul-T-Lock and Hoppe.

MLA leads the way in auto locksmith accreditation (21 May 2008)
The MLA is once again forging ahead in the accreditation of locksmiths by
playing a lead role in the Vehicle Security Data Group (VSDG), managing the
approval route for locksmiths to become accredited for access to security data
from vehicle manufacturers and trusted third party data holding companies.

MLA Expo 08 continues to grow (14 May 2008)
MLA Expo, the main locksmithing and physical security show in the UK is
continuing its phenomenal growth with yet more companies signing up to exhibit.

MLA's City & Guilds Accreditation (2 February 2008)
Having a long history of providing training to locksmiths (either those who are
starting off in the trade or those who want to further their knowledge in specific
technical areas), the MLA is delighted to announce that City & Guilds have
recently awarded the MLA its prestigious “Approved Centre” status (No. 027758)
enabling the association to offer a tailored City & Guilds award in Basic
Locksmithing (No. 1841) which is based on its entry exam.

MLA sets the standard for the vetting of locksmiths (2 August 2007)
With the ever increasing importance placed on security, the vetting of those
involved in the industry is becoming more and more vital. When it comes to
locksmiths; people who are advising on the physical security of your home or
business, and as such will have access to your door keys, then the emphasis on
ensuring the quality and background of these service providers is essential.

Changes to the MLA Board of Directors (15 June 2007)
Following their recent AGM the revised board of directors for the Master
Locksmiths Association has been announced.

MLA Sets the standard with regards to locksmithing charges (9 March 2007)
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is pleased to see the recent upholding
of the prosecution of a locksmith for overcharging despite going to appeal.

Locks - The first line of defence against burglary (6 February 2007)
Recent reports in the press regarding Britain’s status as Europe’s burglary capital
have placed even more emphasis on the need for appropriate physical security in
the home.

MLA backs punishment of overcharging by locksmiths (1 January 2007)
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) supports the robust action taken
recently by Hertfordshire Trading Standards where a locksmith was prosecuted
for charging significantly more than originally quoted for a job.

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