OWL LOCKSMITHS & SECURITY
BUSINESS 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.
The business is currently operated as a partnership and run from home with minimal overheads. Its regular service area covers a broad region from Newquay on the north coast to St Austell on the south coast, extending westward to Land’s End — approximately 40 square miles.
Over the past 14 years, the business has generated a total turnover exceeding £1.47 million, averaging around £95,500 per year, with consistent demand and a stable client base. Enquiry levels regularly exceed delivery capacity, providing immediate scope for expansion through additional staff or extended hours.
After more than two decades of trading, the owners are now planning for retirement and are seeking a smooth transition of the business to a new operator who can continue its reputation for quality and reliability.
SERVICES & OPERATIONS
Owl Locksmiths & Security provides a full range of traditional locksmith services for both domestic and commercial clients, with limited electronic door-entry installations and repairs.
The business does not currently undertake vehicle work, representing a clear opportunity for future expansion.
Typical services include:
Emergency callouts and lock replacements
Key cutting (three professional machines included)
Master-key and restricted key systems
Supply and installation of locks and fittings
Lock repairs, adjustments, and entry services
Electronic door entry and access systems (limited)
Operations are managed efficiently by the owners, supported by long-standing supplier relationships and robust digital systems, including a Job Tracker database for client and job history. The business is registered with Cornwall Council’s Buy with Confidence scheme and is also a Federation of Small Businesses member, further strengthening its credibility.
CUSTOMER BASE
The business serves a balanced mix of domestic and commercial clients (approximately 50/50), many of whom are repeat or long-term customers.
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, contractors, and property managers
Churches and heritage sites
In addition, the business holds numerous restricted and master-key accounts, offering valuable recurring work and client retention. Notable client categories include the National Trust, local councils, social housing providers, and large holiday parks, all of which rely on Owl Locksmiths for secure, ongoing service.
ASSETS INCLUDED IN THE SALE
The sale includes the entire operational setup, ensuring immediate continuity and minimal disruption for the new owner.
Goodwill & Intellectual Property
Trading name and reputation
Website and domain
Email address, mobile, and virtual landline numbers
Job Tracker system containing full client and job records
Equipment & Tools
3 × key-cutting machines
Professional lock-picking and emergency entry tools
Shelving, fittings, and storage boxes
Complete professional locksmith equipment kit
Stock
Total stock (as of 3 October 2025): £71,743
£40,000 allocated to traditional locksmith stock (included as SAV)
Remaining electronic/obsolete stock provided free of charge
Supplier Relationships
Established accounts with major lock and security product suppliers
Transfer of restricted-key records and ordering systems
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Historic turnover (2011–2025): £1,472,994
Average annual turnover: £95,533
Adjusted Net Profit (SDE): £45,000 – £60,000
Stock at Valuation: £40,000 (traditional stock at cost)
Electronic stock: Included free
The business has operated profitably for many years with stable, repeat trade and very low fixed overheads.
Growth has historically been limited by available working hours rather than demand, meaning the business could easily scale under a new owner through additional staff or extended hours.
OPERATING COSTS OVERVIEW
Operating from home allows the business to remain highly efficient with low recurring costs.
Typical expenses include:
Virtual landline (Smart Numbers): approx. £62 p/m
Website maintenance: approx. £200 p/m
Job Tracker system: £184 p/y
Insurance: £72 p/y
Fuel, vehicle, phone, and utilities: variable and scalable with turnover
Optional costs such as IT support, accountancy, and software subscriptions are modest
The structure provides excellent flexibility and profitability for an owner-operator or trade buyer.
HANDOVER & SUPPORT
The sellers are willing to provide limited ongoing support following completion to ensure a smooth transition.
This may include consultation, telephone advice, or on-site assistance depending on the purchaser’s background.
For buyers new to the locksmith trade, training and operational guidance can also be arranged by separate agreement, ensuring confidence in continuing client relationships and specialist work such as restricted key systems.
KEY STRENGTHS
Over 20 years of trading history and trusted local reputation
Established customer base across multiple sectors
Restricted and master-key clients ensuring recurring revenue
Three key-cutting machines and full locksmith equipment included
£40,000 stock at cost plus additional surplus stock free
Low overheads and home-based operation
Significant demand exceeding current capacity
Optional handover and training available
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
1. Add Automotive Locksmithing
Introduce vehicle key programming and cutting — a high-margin service currently unserved.
2. Employ or Subcontract an Additional Locksmith
Current workload exceeds capacity, creating immediate growth potential.
3. Extend Operating Hours
Evening or weekend coverage would capture missed emergency calls and increase turnover.
4. Local Authority Frameworks
Develop formal contracts with councils and housing associations to secure long-term revenue.
5. Digital Marketing & SEO
Expand online visibility via targeted campaigns and service-area optimisation.
BUYER FINANCE OPTION – Powered by BizFi
Through BizFi, Goodwins Business Brokers’ in-house funding partner, qualified buyers can access up to £25,000 in business purchase finance.
This facility helps widen the buyer pool, streamline acquisition timelines, and reduce affordability barriers — supporting faster completion and higher sale outcomes.
CONCLUSION
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.
This is a genuine retirement sale, offered with full assets, goodwill, and a structured handover to ensure operational continuity.
It 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 and expansion potential.
CONFIDENTIALITY & NEXT STEPS
