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

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 Confernece (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.

MLA Appoints new Director of Business Development (1 January 2007)
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has recently appointed Dr Steffan
George as their Director of Business Development.

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