Notice Board
Old-School Values in a Modern Market
We’ ve been lucky because we’ re based in a good area and have built strong relationships over time. That’ s probably why not having a website or social media hasn’ t hurt us too much so far. People know where we are- they pop in, call the shop, or send someone down. But I know that can’ t last forever. We need to catch up with technology, get a proper booking system for customers, and start using Facebook, and collect online reviews. It’ s the next step.
It’ ll be interesting to see what happens when we do go online. Right now, we know our customers by name- they walk into the shop, or they’ ve been coming to us for years through recommendations. Once we set up a website and social media, it’ ll be obvious if a trove of extra work comes in. It’ ll give us a clearer picture of how people find us and help us grow without losing that personal touch that’ s kept us going for so long.
The biggest change we’ ve noticed recently is competition from big DIY chains. A Selco opened nearby, and we’ ve lost a bit of business to that, but nothing too drastic. Our customers come back because of the advice and knowledge we offer; you can’ t get that in a warehouse. We help people understand what they’ re buying, give them options, and if something goes wrong, we’ re there to fix it. That’ s what makes us different.
Looking Ahead: Expansion & New Horizons
The plan now is to expand and bring in more staff and offer more callouts. We want to grow the maintenance side of the business, work alongside electricians and other trades, and broaden what we can offer as a team. We’ ll be recruiting soon to help make that happen.
I keep an eye on what’ s new in the industry. I read The Locksmith Journal regularly. It’ s good for seeing what new locks are coming out, and I’ ve found products through that which I now stock in the shop such as Ultion, Mul-T-Lock, electronic locks. It’ s great to stay ahead on the product side of things the old school way.
Stantons Leeds Ltd Based in Harehills, Stantons Leeds Ltd is one of Leeds’ longest-established locksmith and door specialists, combining over seven decades of service with a reputation for quality workmanship and personal care. From domestic and commercial locksmithing to joinery, door fitting, and key cutting, the business remains a trusted local name and proudly family-run.
0113 249 0757 info @ stantonsgm. co. uk
The past couple of months have been busy, which is great to see. We’ ve got a loyal customer base, and the name carries weight locally. The business has stood the test of time because we take pride in what we do and look after our customers. I think that’ s why Stantons is still here after 70 years, and hopefully it’ ll keep going for many more.
JANUARY 2026
7
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk