Notice Board open all night long and that’ s a problem. We always advise housing associations to send out letters reminding residents to report any security issues and faults with intercoms or locks before it becomes a major issue.”
Winter Maintenance: A Locksmith’ s Reminder
As the cold weather sets in, Nicky offers some timely advice that is useful for locksmiths and homeowners.“ Oil your locks once a month through the winter,” he says.“ Consider the amount of traffic a door gets, if it’ s a busy block it requires oiling more. It’ s simple but it prevents costly failures later on.” He also highlights everyday security habits that can make a difference:“ Don’ t leave keys by the front door, keep them somewhere safe, and make sure parcels are delivered securely. Around Christmas, crime increases and communal areas in flats are particularly vulnerable because thieves know deliveries will be left there. Encourage residents to use proper post boxes or specify delivery instructions like‘ leave parcel outside the flat door’ so parcels aren’ t left shared spaces or by entrances.”
Diversifying Services: Opportunities for Locksmiths!
Beyond standard locksmith work, DES encourages others in the trade to think about complementary services.“ If you’ re already maintaining communal doors or carrying out fire door checks, Wayfinder signage is an excellent add-on,” Nicky says.
Wayfinder signage which helps emergency services navigate large buildings has become a fast-growing part of DES’ s business.“ We spend £ 10 – 20,000 a month with a signage manufacturer, and we install the signage ourselves,” Nicky explains.“ In high-rise blocks with multiple floors, signage showing flat numbers and floor levels is vital. The fire brigade needs to know where they are immediately when responding to an incident.”
For locksmiths already handling door ironmongery or fire door maintenance, it’ s a natural fit.“ You’ re already there maintaining the doors, why not offer signage? It’ s another service and string to your bow,” he adds.
Fire door maintenance itself is another area with growing demand.“ We’ re now checking doors are operational and compliant,” Nicky says.“ It’ s a service locksmiths can easily get into. The Master Locksmiths Association( MLA) even offers training on emergency and fire doors. It’ s not just an extra income stream, it keeps you in regular contact with the right departments, which leads to more work.”
Inside DES: A Growing Team & Modern Fleet
The DES team continues to expand, with Angela Oliver recently joining the office to support administration and customer service.“ Angela’ s doing great, she’ ll often be the first person you speak to when you call,” Nicky says.
Meanwhile, DES’ s fleet has gone electric.“ We’ ve just added a VW ID. Buzz and it’ s amazing. It turns heads everywhere we go. People come up to chat about it, and it’ s a great conversation starter.”
Navigating a Tougher Market
Nicky acknowledges that the landscape has changed for many housing associations and councils.“ Government budgets have been cut, and spending isn’ t as consistent as it used to be,” he says.“ That’ s why keeping in regular contact is so important. Try to stay on their radar by phoning for a chat, sending email updates and newsletters. When the work is available, you’ ll be the first they call.”
One key area that continues to provide steady work is fire risk assessments( FRAs).“ We supply all the red boxes for FRA work,” he explains.“ When assessors go through buildings, they flag things like faulty cupboards, missing alarms, broken locks, and we provide everything needed for those repairs. Locksmiths can offer the same by sourcing products from us and add FRA support to their service list.”
Looking Ahead DES Locksmiths is closing out another strong year, with innovation and community safety still at the heart of everything they do. The Golden Key continues to expand nationwide, the team is growing, and Nicky’ s message to locksmiths is clear: diversify, maintain, and stay proactive.
“ There’ s so much more locksmiths can offer than just changing locks,” he concludes.“ Fire door checks, signage, communal area maintenance. All of these are all valuable services that keep residents safe and keep locksmiths busy year-round. At DES, whatever you need, we’ ve got the products and systems to help them deliver it.”
DES Locksmiths & Security 01268 511 785 www. deslocks. co. uk
DECEMBER 2025
11
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk