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How to Run a Locksmith Business in the UK

This article provides different strategies, marketing initiatives and industry insights you can use to improve how you run your locksmith business.

Locks (or other forms of security) keep us and our belongings secure, which is why when they break, stick, or otherwise malfunction, consumers want an immediate remedy. As a locksmith, you provide a vital consumer service.

Always Focus on Providing Quality Service 

Regardless of the economy's status, individuals will always want to safeguard their possessions. You might deal with household consumers and letting agencies, or schools, care facilities, and even commercial enterprises and merchants. But the point remains: someone will always need locksmith services.

Because a locksmithing company is primarily concerned with locks and security, if someone requires your services, it is highly likely that they are having difficulty with anything linked to security. Therefore, it is critical that you are experienced, available and provide helpful service.

Understanding the Locksmith Market

The UK locksmith industry is unregulated, so any individual can join the industry regardless of their experience. At present, there are approximately 6,500 unlicensed locksmiths in the country. However, being a vetted locksmith would most likely boost your credibility, so ensure that you are qualified by the Master Locksmiths Association.

Locksmiths can focus on multiple sectors: domestic, letting agencies, uPVC repairs, high-security upgrades and more.

The commercial market is another avenue to pursue. Numerous office buildings are being constructed in expanding cities, as are stores and hotels. Security is in great demand due to the fast growth of residential and commercial structures. In this respect, the locksmith sector offers a wide variety of services. They perform tasks such as installing and maintaining electronic access control systems, safes, surveillance cameras, and other security services.

Of course, conducting your own research on the industry is imperative. Consider reading journals and subscribing to industry reports.

Growth Prospects for a Locksmith Business

While the average starting salary of a locksmith is £26,940 a year, there is potential to increase this amount by working for a national company, or setting up a franchise. The highest paying regions for locksmiths are Bristol and London.

Marketing your Locksmith Business

Maintaining an active presence on social media enables you to develop connections with prospective consumers and enhance brand awareness.

You should educate and engage your clients on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Furthermore, develop a list of keywords and keyword phrases relevant to your local clients and service region, and keep your site's content updated regularly. By providing search engines with fresh, unique, and compelling material, customers can easily get the information they want, and you’ll be searchable.

You should utilise your accounts to provide valuable locksmith industry information and news to your target audience. They'll appreciate your time spent responding to their enquiries, complaints, and remarks, which can help you establish customer loyalty and confidence. When someone needs a locksmith, you should aim to be the first choice.

Improving your Inventory Management

Your locksmith company needs inventive and cutting-edge technical help to maintain integrity in the way you manage your inventory. Locksmith management softwares provides a flexible, multifunctional digital platform for locksmith businesses, complete with many choices and functionalities.

Locksmith owners and professionals use locksmith management software to organise and manage their daily operations. This contains a platform for managing customers, evaluating them, negotiating contracts, scheduling, delivering, routing, monitoring time, invoicing, and collecting money. By using software, locksmiths can increase their efficiency, consequently enhancing customer service and securing more jobs. Consider your options based on reviews and comparisons.

Financing your Locksmith Business

The UK Government offers a variety of government financing programmes, but you’ll need to conduct research first. While loans and grants are available, they have specific criteria, and pros and cons.

Alternatively, you could consider a loan from Keytek Locksmith Training Academy.

Deciding to Exit your Business

You may be wondering why we’re providing insights on exiting your business when you are trying to run and grow it. Preparing to sell your business is a smart way to grow it.

Business entrepreneurs are often confronted with many hurdles and choices to make. Multiple internal and external factors will directly impact your business. Preparing to exit your business (even if you currently aren’t considering it) will encourage you to keep a close eye on your financial situation and the general running of your business.

Having a succession plan in place is integral. Perhaps you plan on staying in your business until you retire, or you’ll hand it over to a family member or a competitor. Regardless of which avenue you take, you can never be too prepared.



Megan Kelly

About the author

Megan is Head of Content Marketing at BusinessesForSale.com. She is a B2B Content Strategist and Copywriter. She has produced multiple articles that rank on the first page of Google SERPS, and loves creating people-first content.