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About Us – What is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)?

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths & a non-profit making body; established to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing.

UK’s Largest Locksmith association

Standards of entry to the MLA are high and its motto of “Skill and Integrity” emphasise its determination to ensure that the public, government and industry receive the correct service and advice on security matters from its members.

Founded in 1958

From a small friendly meeting of ‘like-minded’ locksmiths in London, it has evolved into the professional organisation that it is today.

The first meeting group instigated the embryonic Master Locksmiths Association in 1958 and in 1986 it became a limited company. 1994 saw a major restructure and now the membership is worldwide.

The MLA encourages its members to further their knowledge through ongoing education, regional meetings, seminars and the information disseminated through its membership magazine Keyways.

Become a MLA Member

Authoritative body for UK locksmithing by: –

The Police

Many forces will encourage those in need of a locksmith to use MLA Trade Division members.
Police Forces nationwide referring to the MLA for home security and to use an MLA approved locksmith include Met Police, AskThePolice
Official Police Security Initiative Secured by Design

Neighbourhood Watch

The use of a MLA Approved Locksmith is recommend by Neighbourhood Watch

Home Office

The MLA has been instrumental in campaigning for national standards in the locksmith industry and the regulation (through licensing) of the Private Security Industry.

British Standards Institute (BSI)

The MLA supplies a panel of its members to assess locks under BS3621 clauses 4 and I 0 on their behalf.

Other Trade and Professional Bodies

Many other trades and professional bodies such as DHF, RISCAuthority, Building Research Establishment (BRE) all acknowledge the MLA as the authoritative body in its’ field.

The European Locksmiths Federation

The MLA represents the UK locksmithing industry.

In the News

BBC News & Morning Live

The MLA recently provided expert data & advice for the BBC regarding the rise of rogue locksmith scams in the UK. We are proud to work with national broadcasters to help protect the public.

Read the BBC Article

BBC This Morning

When the BBC investigated rogue locksmiths overcharging vulnerable customers, they turned to the MLA to lead the technical investigation.

We also shared vital guidance with the BBC on how to stay safe, including expert tips on how to spot a rogue locksmith before they start work.

BBC Watchdog

Recommended by BBC Watchdog: we advise using our ‘Find a Locksmith’ tool to verify a locksmith is MLA approved.

Training Courses

We run a range of locksmith training courses at our headquarters in Rugby, Warwickshire.

For those new to locksmithing, our courses are perfect for beginners with four modules covering the foundations of locksmithing from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks

The more experienced locksmith can attend our advanced courses which are aimed at those looking to expand their services.

Locksmith training courses

MLA Expo

We also run Europe’s largest Locksmith & Security Exhibition which takes place at the Telford International Centre over the course of 3 days, an event that occurs every two years. The exhibition is for locksmiths and security professionals, with a dedicated Auto exhibition area for auto locksmiths where training and seminars take place.

MLA expo website

The MLA And Sold Secure

The MLA also owns Sold Secure an attack test house, certifying security products through attack testing. It operates its own scheme, which is recognised by the Home Office, insurers and police.

All testers are relevant industry experts and most are MLA members and the testing is to its’ own high specifications developed with the relevant industry bodies.