Notice Board and therefore often misused to gain unauthorised entry. To address this, we developed the Golden Key system, a high security master key that allows fire brigade-controlled access while ensuring each housing controller has its own dedicated key for its buildings.
The initiative is now expanding nationwide. Every fire appliance in London, Essex, Surrey, and Oxfordshire is set to carry a Golden Key, with plans to extend the roll out across areas like Manchester, Coventry, Kent, and Hertfordshire. We’ ve also collaborated with the Metropolitan Police and other authorities to establish secure access solutions.
It was Peabody Housing that initially highlighted the urgent need for change when unauthorised individuals were found using drop keys to access buildings. We’ ve since converted over 10,000 plus properties to the new system, ensuring secure entry for authorised personnel while preventing misuse.
In March, we will be finalising agreements with the London Fire Brigade, marking the first initiative of its kind in over 30 years. This project represents an unbreakable bond— a golden thread of security— strengthening fire and emergency access protocols across the country.
Products & services We specialise in all aspects of security driven access control solutions, including Intercoms and fob-controlled entry systems for both the public and commercial sectors. We provide all aspects of locksmith services like cutting keys and supplying locks, but our speciality is largescale key management access solutions, where we manage high security master key suites that service an estimated 50,000 + locks. We are one of the UK’ s largest Mul-T-Lock stockists, but we also supply a variety of other high quality security products from ABUS, APECS and EVVA.
What makes you different?
Despite being close brothers, we have taken different routes to arrive here in 2025. Lee initially went to work in the Insurance Industry whereas I’ ve only ever worked in and around access control. We are very different characters and take different roles in the business, Lee manages the business administration and the daily Peabody processing, while
I oversee works, new projects like the Golden Key and other expansion avenues. This generally gives us two different views of the same situation and we occasionally find ourselves coming from opposite perspectives.
So, we believe what sets us apart is our ability to consider alternatives in our focus on long-term security solutions rather than quick fixes. We truly want our customers to get what they need, so our approach prioritises using the right products which offer durability and first-time fixes. The Golden Key system is a“ key” part of our future growth, with a wide range of products to cover numerous applications.
Changes in the locksmith industry
Over the last 10 years, the locksmith industry has changed significantly, with online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and even Screwfix altering buying behaviour. Many consumers now have the tools readily at hand to not only research alternatives but also seek the cheapest options, making it harder for more traditional locksmiths to compete on standard products. As a result, we’ ve
focused on the specialised lock services such as restricted key cutting, managing master suites as well as complimentary services like fobs, intercoms and wayfinder signage.
The freedom of choice is a big part of modern life, so we have designed the Golden Key to be able to supply our fellow locksmiths with the right products to maintain the connection with their own clients whilst still enjoying the benefit of the fire brigade having the access they need.
Our plans
Looking ahead, together we plan to steadily expand further as our focus remains on innovative locking products, delivering high quality security solutions and staying ahead of industry changes. Investment in our company’ s welfare by having the right people to do the job while keeping an eye on efficiencies that will keep us moving forward. We will be launching new products and further investing in complimentary services- we like new products, systems and ideas and we are committed to rolling out the Golden Key nationwide.
01268 511 785 | www. deslocks. co. uk
MARCH 2025
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