LOCKSMITH
AWARDS
31ST MARCH NOMINATIONS PHASE ENDING
WILL YOU BE IN THE RUNNING?
SUPPLY CHAIN AND HOMEOWNERS INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE TRADE’S BEST pg 8 BUILDING OUR SKILLS EXTENDS SUPPORT TO SECURITY SECTOR AS SPONSOR FOR ‘YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR’ AT THE LOCKSMITH AWARDS 2026 pg 14
As we welcome you to the March 2026 edition of The Locksmith Awards Magazine, it’s clear that our industry continues to evolve at an impressive pace - driven by innovation, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of the professionals who keep the nation secure. This issue captures that momentum perfectly. From advancements in high- security hardware and testing standards, to the growing importance of van security and insurance awareness, the landscape of locksmithing and security is becoming more sophisticated - and more vital - than ever before. It’s encouraging to see manufacturers and organisations pushing boundaries, not only in product development but also in compliance, certification, and customer trust. Of course, at the heart of everything we do are the people. One of the most exciting milestones in our calendar is now underway, as nominations for the 2026 Locksmith Awards officially open. Each year, we are reminded that this industry is filled with dedicated, highly skilled individuals whose work often goes unseen but never unappreciated. These awards exist to shine a spotlight on those unsung heroes - whether they are on the tools, behind the scenes, or driving innovation forward.
It’s particularly inspiring to see the continued focus on the next generation. With organisations supporting young talent and investing in training and development, the future of our trade is in capable hands. Celebrating rising stars alongside established professionals ensures that excellence is not only recognised, but continually nurtured. We’re also proud to share stories of past winners and industry leaders who demonstrate the real impact of recognition - boosting morale, strengthening businesses, and raising standards across the board. Their journeys serve as a reminder of why these awards matter. As always, this magazine is more than just a collection of updates - it’s a reflection of a thriving, collaborative community. Whether you’re a locksmith, supplier, manufacturer, or supporter of the trade, your contribution plays a part in shaping its future. So, as you read through this issue, we encourage you to get involved. Nominate a colleague, celebrate your peers, and take pride in being part of an industry built on trust, skill, and innovation.
- Editor, The Locksmith Awards Magazine
IN THIS ISSUE...
4
H ardware
14
LSA N ominations P hase
18
V an S ecurity
20
S ponsorships
21
T estimonials
MB DIY: A YEAR OF SECURITY MILESTONES AND A ROADMAP FOR THE NORTH
Looking back at 2025 2025 has been a standout year for everyone here at MB DIY. We set out to raise the bar for security, and the launch of our EROS 3 Star High Security cylinder did exactly that. It’s been a massive achievement for the team to bring a product to market that already meets the latest industry standards (PAS24:2022+A1:2024), giving our customers a head start on compliance. A huge part of that success was MB achieving BSI Kitemark TS007 1:2024 certification. This was a game-changer for our in-house lockstation. It means we can now offer grandmaster, master suiting, and keyed-alike services on the EROS range while keeping that crucial 3-star rating intact. To round off the year, we introduced our new 6-pin grandmaster cylinder in November—a tiered solution designed to make high-level security affordable for multi-occupancy buildings. On a personal note, 2025 provided one of the proudest moments in our company history. Seeing Mike and Brenda Greenup named Managing Director and Director of the Year was a fantastic recognition of the work they put into this business and the industry. Updates to Decorwall It’s not just been about hardware. Our wall and ceiling panel side of the business has seen the
Decorwall re-brand fully take shape. From the packaging to the point-of-sale displays in-store, the new look is now live across the board. It’s a big step forward in supporting our local suppliers and stockists with a cleaner, more professional brand identity. What’s ahead for 2026? We’re heading into the new year with plenty of momentum. One of our biggest goals for 2026 is expanding our presence along the M62 corridor. We’ll have new sales reps on the road specifically focused on Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Hull. We want to show more fabricators and installers that MB DIY is the reliable “one-stop shop” for hardware, backed by our next-day delivery service. We also have several large-scale commercial projects in the pipeline, where we’ll be working closely with clients to supply high-quality internal and external products. You’ll be hearing a lot more from us regarding the EROS brand and our new grandmaster cylinders as we move through the year. Whether the project is a single door or a massive commercial site, we’re making top-tier security accessible to everyone. 2026 is looking bright, and we can’t wait to get started.
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YALE TEST CENTRE RENEWS FGIA AAMA 904 ACCREDITATION FOR 2026
Yale Door and Window Solutions’ Cheltenham Test Centre has again been awarded the FGIA Accredited Component Laboratory Certificate for 2026, for testing to AAMA 904 – maintaining its position as the only FGIA-accredited laboratory to this standard outside the United States. The AAMA Laboratory Accreditation Programme (AAMA), operated by the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), identifies and accredits highly qualified testing laboratories against AAMA performance standards. The AAMA 904 accreditation covers multi-bar hinges in window applications. The renewed certification enables Yale to continue supporting the US customer base for its Storm, Sterling, and SAT heavy- duty hinges with a third-party-accredited testing facility. This provides customers with confidence that the hinges meet the most stringent American standards – delivering reliable performance that has been independently verified. It also further enhances the credibility of ASSA ABLOY in the US fenestration market, underlining investment in world- class testing infrastructure and the company’s ongoing commitment to its customers and clients. Richard Gurmin, Director and Head of Export at Yale DWS, comments: “We’re extremely proud of our Centre of Excellence for Window Products in Cheltenham, which enables us to test door and window hardware to the most stringent and up-to-date industry standards, providing accurate data on the product’s performance as well as offering endurance-testing, static load-testing, and corrosion-testing. “This renewed FGIA AAMA 904 accreditation reinforces the trust our customers place in Yale and ASSA ABLOY, and demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting the US market with independently accredited testing.” To find out more about Yale’s Centre of Excellence for Window Products, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk/uk/en/contact-us.
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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE LOCKSMITH AWARDS: SUPPLY CHAIN AND HOMEOWNERS INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE TRADE’S BEST
UK – The search for the standout stars of the UK security and locksmithing sector has officially begun, as organisers announce that the nomination phase for The Locksmith Awards is now open. Dedicated to recognising excellence, innovation, and dedication across the trade, The Locksmith Awards provides a unique platform to celebrate the professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers who drive the industry forward.
To ensure the awards truly reflect the broad impact of the profession, organisers are calling on the entire locksmith supply chain, as well as homeowners and the general public, to get involved. Whether you are a supplier working with an exceptional manufacturer, a business owner highlighting an outstanding apprentice, or a homeowner who has received five-star emergency service from a local locksmith, this is your chance to ensure their hard work does not go unnoticed.. Sarah Rogers, Operations Director for The Locksmith Awards, commented: “The locksmithing and security industry is built on trust, skill, and relentless dedication, often carried out behind the scenes or in emergency situations to keep people safe. “Opening the nomination phase is always the most exciting part of the campaign. We want to encourage everyone—from the supply chain that provides the vital hardware, to the homeowners who rely on these essential services—to take a few minutes out of their day to nominate. Getting nominated by a customer or a peer is a huge morale boost, and we can’t wait to see who is put forward this year.” W ho can N ominate : To take part in the LSA’s you must be part of the UK locksmith industry, at any level in the supply chain if you are voting for a supplier award category. The Homeowners/General public nomination/vote is allowed for the Locksmiths. H ow to N ominate : Nominating is quick, free, and completely online. To cast your nominations, simply follow these steps: Visit the official nominations portal: locksmithawards.co.uk/nominate-now Select the relevant categories you wish to nominate for. Enter the details of the person, product, or company you are nominating. I mportant D eadline : Participants are urged to act quickly, as the nomination phase is strictly time- limited. All nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, 31st March at 5:00 PM. Any entries received after this deadline will not be counted. Following the close of nominations, the shortlists will be compiled and announced, leading to the highly anticipated public voting phase - where the supply chain and homeowners will once again be invited to cast their votes.
D on ’ t miss your chance to champion the best in the business . S ubmit your nominations today at locksmithawards . co . uk / nominate - now .
autoLock AV4 The Turning Point Against Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion causes more than frustration, it leads to operational issues, costly callbacks and disappointed end-users. autoLock AV4 is the turning point. It’s precision autoLocking system delivers consistently low operating force whatever the weather. Even as doors expand or contract, autoLock AV4 keeps working smoothly and securely where others fail. This reliability matters to everyone. Fabricators benefit from fewer returns, installers gain a solution they can fit and forget, and homeowners enjoy a door that operates with ease season after season. AV4 is not just another lock, it is the point where performance problems stop and peace of mind begins.
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WARNING FOR VAN DRIVERS – A MESSY VAN COULD COST YOU £100
Van drivers have been warned of the common mistakes which could see their insurance void, including having a messy vehicle. Motoring experts from Quotezone. co.uk have revealed five reasons drivers could be invalidating their insurance. One of the most unusual mistakes is having a messy van. Experts advise if the police feel the mess is a hazard or a driver ends up in an accident because of a messy vehicle, they could be fines £100 and given three penalty points. The insurer may even deem the insurance invalid, given the accident was preventable and as a result of lack of care from the driver. Modifications could also invalidate insurance, including adding business branding and signage without letting the insurer know. Motor insurance is a legal obligation and drivers without it risk a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points. Uninsured vans could also be seized from the driver and destroyed by the police. Founder and CEO of Quotezone. co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: “Aside from being a legal obligation, motor and van insurance protects van drivers and companies from accidents, damage and theft. “It is essentially a financial safety net and is vital if using a van for work, especially if there are expensive tools involved - without proper cover, tradespeople are
risking major losses, hefty fines and even a threat to their livelihood. “Many people are unaware that simple mistakes, even the likes of not providing accurate information to insurers on mileage or occupation, could make a policy invalid meaning they are driving illegally. “Additionally, any drivers found deliberately misleading the insurer to help make insurance premiums cheaper, for example, saying they park a vehicle in a garage when they leave it out on the street, could also be convicted of fraud.” Quotezone.co.uk’s common mistakes which could invalidate van insurance: 1. V ehicle mess : If a van driver ends up in an accident because of a messy vehicle, an insurance company might refuse to cover the claim as the driver was not looking after the vehicle properly, showing a lack of care that made the vehicle unsafe to drive. They could also face fines, penalty points and risk of serious harm. The mess not only acts as a distraction while driving, but any loose objects can also become lethal when caught up in an accident, research suggests a 20 pound object could have as much force as a 1000 pound object when travelling at 55mph – so van drivers need to ensure inside the van is clean and tidy with loose objects securely fastened.
2. S ignage and branding : Adding signage and branding to a van can increase the risk of break-ins, make it more vulnerable to vandalism and theft, and make it more expensive to replace and repair. Sign writing or branding is classed as a modification and insurers could increase insurance premiums or void insurance if they are not told about it. 3. C lass of use : Anyone who uses a van for commercial purposes, even if it is only occasionally, should have business van insurance. If a tradesperson opts for ‘social, domestic and pleasure’ for the class of use and is found to use it for business purposes, the policy could be invalidated.
4. L ocation : Parking locations impact the likelihood of a van being involved in an accident, broken into or stolen. Drivers must be honest about where they operate and park. A van is more likely to be targeted in larger cities, and if it is parked on the road instead of a driveway or garage. 5. P ersonal I nformation : Failing to correctly disclose certain information including age, occupation and driving record on an insurance policy could lead to a claim being refused and the policy cancelled. Quotezone.co.uk helps van drivers compare and save on all sorts of products such as van insurance, breakdown cover and even fleet insurance. CompareNI. com can help van drivers living in Northern Ireland.
BUILDING OUR SKILLS EXTENDS SUPPORT TO SECURITY SECTOR AS SPONSOR FOR ‘YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR’ AT THE LOCKSMITH AWARDS 2026
B uilding O ur S kills – M aking F enestration a C areer of C hoice is pleased to announce it has been confirmed as a category sponsor for T he L ocksmith A wards 2026. Recognising the vital synergy between the fenestration and locksmithing industries, Building Our Skills will champion the next generation of talent by sponsoring the Young Person of the Year category. This sponsorship highlights Building Our Skills’ commitment to creating a workforce for tomorrow across the wider industry. By supporting this prestigious award, the organisation aims to ensure that the dedication, skill, and hard work of the most promising young professionals in the locksmithing trade are celebrated on a national stage. Mark Handley, Partnerships Manager for Building our Skills, commented: “We are delighted to extend our support to The Locksmith Awards for the 2026 campaign. The link between fenestration, doors, and locksmithing is undeniable, and we are just as passionate about encouraging young talent in this sector as we are in the wider glazing industry. “Recruitment and retention are critical challenges for the trade. By sponsoring the ‘Young Person of the Year’ award, we want to shine a spotlight on the rising stars who are driving standards up and encourage them to build long, successful careers in this vital sector.” The Locksmith Awards 2026 campaign is dedicated to recognising the best in the
UK locksmithing
industry. With nominations now open,
Building Our Skills is urging employers to put forward their apprentices and young staff who have demonstrated exceptional promise. Sarah Rogers, Operations Director for The Locksmith Awards, welcomed the partnership: “It is fantastic to have Building Our Skills on board for The Locksmith Awards. Their work in training and recruitment is vital for the future of the trade, and their passion for supporting the next generation is unmatched. Having them champion our Young Person of the Year category sends a strong message about the importance of youth development in our industry. We are really looking forward to working with them.” To find out more about the campaign or to cast a nomination, please visit the official awards website: locksmithawards.co.uk/ nominate-now. To find out more about Sponsorships for the Locksmith Awards, please enquire here: Email: sales@locksmithawards.co.uk
Website: locksmithawards.co.uk/ sponsorship-event-and-tickets Contact Number: 01924 911234
Proud Sponsor Of The ‘Young Person of the Year’ Category
Building Our Skills provides the following training for Locksmiths;
Window and Door Maintenance and Glazing Composite Door Installation and Maintenance Window and Door Installation
www.buildingourskills.co.uk
A MEANINGFUL MILESTONE: 2025 WINNER HAZEL OAKLEY REFLECTS ON THE PROFESSIONAL IMPACT OF BEING NAMED FEMALE LOCKSMITH OF THE YEAR
In an industry built on precision and trust, Hazel Oakley is proving that professional recognition is about far more than just a title. Since being named the 2025 Female Locksmith of the Year, Hazel has become a shining example of how a singular achievement can ignite a renewed passion for the craft and provide a substantial morale boost for the wider trade. For Hazel, the award represents a validation of years of technical expertise and a commitment to customer care. Her journey serves as an inspiration for why businesses should celebrate their standout staff to energise their teams and elevate their professional standing. “Winning the Female Locksmith of the Year 2025 award has been such an honour and a truly meaningful milestone in my career,” said Hazel Oakley. “This recognition reflects not only my dedication and hard work, but also the trust and support I have received from colleagues and customers along the way. It has inspired me to continue refining my skills and growing within the locksmith industry, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.” T he P ower of R ecognition According to Sarah Rogers, Operations Director, the awards are designed to combat the “unsung hero” nature of the locksmith profession. By highlighting winners like Hazel, the awards provide
a significant boost that can transform a business’s internal culture. “When a locksmith’s hard work is recognised on a platform like this, it sends a message to the entire team— and the wider industry—that excellence is noticed,” said Sarah Rogers. “For any business, having an award-winning professional on staff is a badge of trust that boosts staff pride, increases
retention, and shows customers they are in the best possible hands. It turns a job into a celebrated career.” W hy J oin the M ovement ? 3 R easons to N ominate Y our T eam To help businesses understand the value of participation, Sarah Rogers highlights the top three benefits of engaging with the Locksmith Awards: • B oosted E mployee R etention : Recognising a team member’s hard work publicly fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty, proving that their contributions are vital to the company’s success. • C ustomer T rust & A uthority : Being able to market your business as “Award-Winning” provides immediate third- party validation that builds instant rapport with new clients. • N etworking & G rowth : Participation opens doors to a community of high-achievers, pushing the entire business toward higher standards of service. 2026 N ominations N ow O pen : M ultiple C ategories A vailable To continue this momentum, we are proud to announce that the nomination phase for the 2026 Locksmith Awards is now officially open. Following our recent celebration hosted in a private executive box at the races, we are now searching for the next round of winners across various categories as there are 22 awards in Total, but to name a few: • Customer Service Person of the Year • Young Person of the Year
• Female Locksmith of the Year • Locksmith of the Year 2026 • Partner With Excellence: 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
As the awards continue to grow, we invite industry partners to join the 2026 season as official sponsors. Sponsoring the Locksmith Awards offers brands a unique opportunity to align with excellence, gain high-visibility exposure, and show direct support for the hardworking professionals who keep the country secure. “Our sponsors are more than just logos; they are partners in elevating the trade,” says Rogers. “If your company values quality and professional growth, we want you in the room with us for 2026.” H ow to G et I nvolved : To Nominate: Visit locksmithawards.co.uk/nominate-now to view all categories and submit your 2026 entries. T o S ponsor : For a sponsorship prospectus and to learn about available packages, contact Sarah Rogers at sales@locksmithawards.co.uk or call : 01924 911 234.
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Souber Tools, a pioneer in the design of specialist security equipment, has achieved a historic double victory at the 2025 Locksmith Awards. The company was honoured with both Customer Service Company of the Year and New Product of the Year, cementing its status as the industry leader in innovation and professional support. T he N ew I ndustry S tandard : T he D oor S preader K it The “New Product of the Year” accolade was awarded to the Souber Door Spreader Kit (DSK/1). Specifically engineered to solve the growing problem of failed UPVC door mechanisms, the 12-piece kit allows locksmiths to release jammed locks using a non- destructive, two-handed operation. “Winning both Customer Service Company of the Year and New Product of the Year was such a great achievement for the company,” said Paul Souber, Founder of Souber Tools. “The Door Spreader Kit is quickly becoming the industry standard for all locksmiths when tackling failed UPVC door mechanisms. To win an award for customer service in such a busy year for us, whilst releasing a huge range of new products, is also a very positive indication that we are excelling in all areas.” SOUBER TOOLS SWEEPS 2025 LOCKSMITH AWARDS WITH DUAL WINS AND MAJOR NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH
E xpanding the A rsenal : L aunch of the UPVC S lotting K it Building on this award-winning momentum, Souber Tools is proud to announce the official launch of the Souber UPVC Slotting Kit (USK). This latest addition to their “problem-solver” range is designed for precision milling and slotting on UPVC doors and windows, allowing locksmiths to make clean, professional adjustments or repairs on-site with ease. I ndustry R ecognition The dual wins represent a rare feat in the industry, balancing technical hardware success with high-level service. Sarah Rogers, Operations Director for the Locksmith Awards, commented on the achievement: “Souber Tools has demonstrated an exceptional ability to listen to the needs of the trade. Their success this year reflects a company that is not only innovating with products like the Door Spreader Kit but also ensuring their customers are supported every step of the way. They are a credit to the locksmithing community.” As the security landscape changes, Souber Tools remains committed to the R&D that keeps professionals ahead of the curve. “We look forward to releasing more solutions for locksmiths to deal with the ever-changing problems that the industry
presents,” added Paul Souber. A bout S ouber T ools
Based in the UK, Souber Tools specializes in the design and manufacture of high- quality tools for the locksmith and security industry. From their world-famous DBB Morticer to their latest UPVC opening solutions, Souber products are exported to over 20 countries worldwide.
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