Overview
Owl Locksmiths & Security is a long-established and highly respected locksmith and security business serving Cornwall and the surrounding areas. Originally founded in 2003 in Leicestershire by the current owners and later relocated to Cornwall in 2011, the business was rebranded as Owl Locksmiths & Security and has since become one of the region's most trusted names in traditional locksmithing and specialist key systems.
Operated as a partnership and run from home with minimal overheads, the business has traded successfully for more than two decades. It serves a balanced mix of domestic and commercial clients, approximately 50/50, many of whom are repeat or long-term customers.
This is a genuine retirement sale, offered with full assets, goodwill and a structured handover to ensure operational continuity for the incoming owner.
Business Highlights
- Longestablished, wellregarded locksmith business trading in Cornwall since 2011
- Total historic turnover exceeding £1.47 million, averaging around £95,500 per year
- Adjusted net profit (SDE) of £45,000 to £60,000
- Balanced client base split roughly 50/50 between domestic and commercial customers
- Numerous restricted and masterkey accounts providing valuable recurring work
- Run from home with very low fixed overheads
- Enquiry levels regularly exceed delivery capacity, giving immediate scope to expand
- Full complement of professional equipment, goodwill and supplier accounts included
The Business
Owl Locksmiths & Security provides a full range of traditional locksmith services for both domestic and commercial clients, alongside limited electronic door-entry installations and repairs. Typical services include emergency callouts and lock replacements, key cutting, master-key and restricted key systems, supply and installation of locks and fittings, lock repairs and entry services, and limited electronic access systems.
Operations are managed efficiently by the owners, supported by long-standing supplier relationships and robust digital systems, including a Job Tracker database holding full client and job history. The business is registered with Cornwall Council's Buy with Confidence scheme and is a Federation of Small Businesses member, both of which strengthen its credibility and local profile.
Regular client sectors include hotels and hospitality venues, schools and medical establishments, social care and welfare housing, holiday rental agencies and maintenance firms, domestic rental and private homeowners, builders' merchants and contractors, and churches and heritage sites. The business also holds accounts with a national conservation charity, local councils, social housing providers and large holiday parks. These restricted and master-key accounts offer strong client retention and recurring revenue, making the business highly defensible.
Location
The regular service area covers a broad region across Cornwall, from Newquay on the north coast to St Austell on the south coast and extending westward to Land's End - approximately 40 square miles. The area combines strong domestic demand with a substantial hospitality, holiday-let and heritage sector, all of which underpin steady, recurring work.
Premises & Tenure
The business is operated from home, keeping fixed overheads to a minimum. This lean operating model offers flexibility for a new owner and helps protect margins.
Financial Overview
The business has operated profitably for many years with stable, repeat trade and very low fixed overheads.
- Historic turnover (2011 to 2025): £1,472,994
- Average annual turnover: £95,533
- Adjusted net profit (SDE): £45,000 to £60,000
- Traditional locksmith stock: £40,000 (stock at valuation, at cost)
- Electronic and obsolete stock: included free of charge
Growth has historically been limited by available working hours rather than demand, meaning the business could readily scale under a new owner. Typical operating costs are modest, including a virtual landline, website maintenance, the Job Tracker system, insurance and variable running costs that scale with turnover.
Growth Potential
There is clear, immediate scope to build on the established foundations:
- Add automotive locksmithing, introducing vehicle key programming and cutting a highmargin service not currently offered
- Employ or subcontract an additional locksmith, as current workload already exceeds capacity
- Extend operating hours to capture missed evening and weekend emergency calls
- Develop formal contracts with councils and housing associations for longterm revenue
- Expand online visibility through targeted digital marketing and servicearea SEO
Reason for Sale
The owners are planning for retirement after more than two decades of trading and are seeking a smooth transition to a new operator who can continue the business's reputation for quality and reliability.
Next Steps
Owl Locksmiths & Security represents a rare opportunity to acquire a long-established, profitable locksmith business with a loyal customer base, minimal overheads and clear growth potential. The sale includes the trading name and reputation, website and domain, contact numbers, the Job Tracker system, three professional key-cutting machines, professional lock-picking and emergency entry tools, a complete professional locksmith equipment kit, storage and fittings, established supplier accounts and restricted-key records. The sellers are willing to provide limited ongoing support following completion, with training and operational guidance available by separate agreement for buyers new to the trade. The business will appeal to an experienced locksmith, a facilities or property maintenance operator, or an entrepreneurial buyer seeking a stable, owner-managed business with strong foundations. Full details are available in the Information Memorandum.
