Notice Board
New attack methods like freezing locks to bypass security are forcing constant innovation. The industry has had to react quickly. Now we’ re talking anti-freeze, anti-glue, extra standards. You’ ve got to keep your ear to the ground, talk to the right people, and plan six to twelve months ahead in line with new standards.
Make Every Sales a Positive Experience
When I first started my business, it was on my terms. I was told I would more than likely fail because I wouldn’ t do 24 / 7 callouts. I refused. I’ d rather fail at something I enjoy than succeed in something I hate. That’ s why I love what I do, it’ s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Customers can tell when you enjoy serving them. Every transaction should be a good experience, and if people enjoy being served by you, they’ ll talk about it positively. That’ s how I’ ve built Help Locks.
Unexpected Doors Unlocked When I first pulled a broken mechanism out of a door, I never thought it would get me on TV. But here I am, after 35 appearances on Steph’ s Packed Lunch, business awards, training sessions with the Northern Army at Catterick Garrison, even advising behind
the scenes on BBC home security articles. It’ s mad really, what a ride it’ s been!
Help Locks has also won recognition closer to home, including the Morley Business Awards 2019 for community engagement.
Plans: Franchise, Affiliates, & More
I don’ t plan to slow down. Beyond my Leeds shop and e-commerce growth, I’ m exploring new opportunities:
• Franchise scheme – Locksmiths in other regions can plug into the Help Locks online store, giving them extra income streams.
• Affiliate partnerships – Businesses will soon be able to embed a version of the Help Locks shop into their own websites, earning commission without handling stock
or payments.
• Shop-in-shop expansion – Extending the Ultion / ABS / Apex model to more brands and regions.
We’ ve reached the point where I can say that I make money in my sleep- two orders came in overnight while I was writing this. But it’ s not just about money. It’ s about building something sustainable, ethical, and future proof.
Rewriting the Script
I had a 15-year plan when I started. It didn’ t work. Covid, legislation changes, consumer habits- everything shifted. I had to scrap it and rewrite the script. What I’ ve got now is essentially a second business, even though it’ s still called Help Locks. That’ s the reality of running a business today; you’ ve got to adapt, pivot, and keep moving forward.
www. helplocks. com 0800 002 5258 Paul @ helplocks. com
SEPTEMBER 2025
15
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk