Notice Board
After Training Support
One of MPL’ s biggest strengths is what happens after training; locksmithing is about ongoing learning.
“ We say it all the time- training doesn’ t end on the last day of the course,” says Nicky.“ We offer free ongoing support to everyone who trains with us. That might mean help identifying a mechanism, recommending the right tool, or finding the correct part. One thing we cannot provide is the willingness to learn, drive to put your name out there and persistence to succeed.”
Spotted in The Locksmith Journal in June, the article on SheffLOCK is a great example of a business that started with MPL’ s basic training and went on to become a full-service, thriving operation. It’ s stories like that which prove MPL isn’ t just a training provider- it’ s a launchpad from which success takes off!
Ethan’ s Journey: From Apprentice to Business Development Manager
Ethan Walker started at MPL as an apprentice at the age of 18, learning the trade from the ground up.“ I began in the trade counter, helping out and soaking up as much knowledge as I could,” he recalls. With guidance from mentors like Graham and Nicky, Ethan honed his skills and developed a strong understanding of locksmithing and customer service.
As his confidence grew, he moved into more hands-on roles, eventually becoming MPL’ s Business Development Manager.“ The apprenticeship taught me more than just technical skills- it showed me the value of building trust and delivering quality advice,” Ethan says. Today, he uses his experience to help his clients, and their respective businesses, to thrive.
Partnerships, Product Feedback & Tools
MPL doesn’ t just sell tools- they also provide valuable insight based on realworld use. Working closely with products from major manufacturers like Winkhaus, ERA, Yale, Assa Abloy, Asec, Union, and HOPPE, they don’ t just distribute products, they test and train with them- offering feedback based on both training school use and real locksmithing work.
There’ s lots more on the horizon, with MPL planning to expand its product range and perhaps launch their own branded tools in the future. They’ ve also become a national distributor for the Fire Safety Stick, a compact, 15-year shelf-life extinguisher perfect for vans, workshops, and while out and about- proving they’ re also willing to dip into different markets outside of the locksmithing industry.
Serving More Than Just Locksmiths
While locksmiths are their core market, MPL’ s training centre also sees regular attendance from: housing associations, property maintenance teams, councils, utility companies and emergency services.
Roughly 85 % of their delegates already have a trade background and are simply looking to expand their knowledge to take on work that they often turn down. With MPL, they go from“ I can’ t do that job” to“ When can I start?”
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
With a team of 16 staff, including five employed locksmiths, two full-time instructors, and three self-employed specialists, MPL is growing steadily- but not at the expense of quality.
“ We’ re busy developing two new courses based on what the industry’ s
Want to Upskill? Here’ s How to Reach MPL:
www. multipointlocks. co. uk
www. locksmithtools. co. uk
www. mpl-locksmith-training. co. uk
Training Centre: Monckton Road, Wakefield, WF2 7AN | 01924 693 293
Trade Counter: 31 Westgate End, Wakefield, WF2 9RG | 01924 378 444
telling us. We’ re also investing in expanding our product range and tools to stay ahead of the curve,” says Nicky.
They continue to cover Yorkshire with local callouts while passing national leads to their expanding network of trained locksmiths. With a sharp focus on helping their customers succeed, it’ s clear that the MPL story is focused on growth.
“ I never thought I’ d still be here 17 years later,” Nicky reflects.“ But this is what happens when you’ re part of something that works- which genuinely helps people grow.”
Speaking from a business development perspective, the passion is matched by purpose. Ethan puts it simply:“ This industry needs more people saying yes to work, and we’ re here to make that possible- no gimmicks or fluff, just real skills, trusted tools, and long-term support.”
AUGUST 2025
15
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk