From Holiday Help to MLA Approved Company Locksmith Owner

Paul Harper-Smith of MLA Approved locksmith Lock Assist Ltd shares his journey into locksmithing — and the family legacy that shaped it.

Locksmithing often runs in the blood — passed down not just through tools and techniques, but through shared stories, lessons, and a genuine love for the craft. For Paul Harper-Smith, owner of MLA Approved Company Lock Assist Ltd, it all began with school holiday shifts in a family-run shop, Barton Hardware, and a crisp £5 note.

Shop front of Barton Hardware in Barton on Sea, featuring traditional signage, a Barton Hardware in Barton on Sea — the starting point of Paul Harper‑Smith’s journey into the locksmithing trade.

“I grew up around it, really,” Paul explains. “My dad had a hardware shop in Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire, and in 1972, my Uncle Colin took it over when we moved to Guernsey. I used to come back during the school holidays and help out — mostly changing batteries in customers radios and torches and moving on to cutting keys, but it was my first introduction to the trade.”

Colin, who had previously worked for Chubb in St Paul’s Churchyard, brought locksmithing into the business right away. His wife, Janet, also worked in the shop and made sure the accounts were well looked after, and between the three of them, a young Paul saw a thriving small business in action – ensuring the customers were always well looked after.

“I remember being paid a fresh £5 note every day I helped out — which felt like a fortune at the time!”

Barton Hardware with van parked outside — the coastal shopfront where Paul Harper‑Smith’s journey into locksmithing first took shape.

A Locksmith Apprentice Opportunity Changed Everything

Ten years later, when the family moved back to the mainland, Colin was looking for an apprentice — and Paul jumped at the chance.

“I was absolutely thrilled when he asked. I learned everything from him. He trained me up, and I stayed for six years, from 1982 to 1988.”

Colin Harper‑Smith at home — a huge influence in the early locksmithing journey of his nephew, Paul.

From there, Paul’s locksmithing journey continued through respected MLA Approved Companies. He worked at Neners Master Locksmiths in Swansea, South Wales with John Nener and Keith Cole before relocating to Sussex in 2002. After a year in the technical department at ASSA in Croydon, he took the leap and set up his own business: Lock Assist.

“That was back in 2003 — and this June 1st marked 22 years in business. I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Colin was always there for support and advice, right up until he sadly passed away in December 2024. We still use some of the key machines and stock he gave me to this day.”

A Lesson That Stuck

Ask any locksmith and they’ll tell you — there are always one or two jobs that you never forget. For Paul, one moment with Colin stands out in particular.

“We were just closing the shop for lunch when we got a call from an elderly lady who was locked out. Colin and I jumped in the van and drove over. She was waiting next door, so I started looking for a way in while he kept her chatting.”

Luckily, the bathroom fanlight window was slightly open. “I was a lot more agile back then — I climbed through and opened the Yale lock from the inside. Colin told me to shut the door and hide until he gave me the nod.”

With perfect comic timing, Colin brought the customer back to the door and said, “Have you tried ringing the bell? Sometimes that works — but only for the owner.” She gave it a go, and at that moment, Paul pulled the door open from inside.

“Her face was a picture. Colin loved winding people up — but he also knew how to make people feel at ease in a stressful situation. That stuck with me.”

The MLA Locksmith Association Connection

Paul’s connection with the Master Locksmiths Association goes right back to his early days in the trade.

“Colin put me forward as a student member in 1984 — I still have the certificate. I’ve worked for MLA Approved Companies throughout my career, so when I set up Lock Assist, it was a no-brainer to become a full member and go for company approval.”

It’s a decision that has served Paul well. “The support from MLA HQ, the networking at local meetings, and the knowledge-sharing at the MLA EXPO have all been brilliant. It’s helped us grow Lock Assist and keep our standards where they need to be.”

From Family Trade to Trusted Locksmith Business

Today, Lock Assist is a well-established MLA Approved Company serving Sussex and beyond — and Paul’s journey is a reminder of how powerful a foundation family can be.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without Colin. He taught me the value of the trade, the importance of doing the job right, and the joy that comes with helping people —  often with a sense of humour along the way.”

More interviews with locksmiths

To find out more about Lock Assist, visit Lock Assist Ltd Company Profile

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