Notice Board
Why join the MLA ?
SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY
The Master Locksmiths Association was formed by locksmiths for locksmiths , and this continues to be the essence of the association today . By joining the MLA , you are to helping to support the locksmithing trade and taking a stand to eliminate bad practices and tactics that irrefutably threaten to damage the industry .
» IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE reputation means everything , we ’ re continually working to raise awareness to those practices that aren ’ t acting in the interests of locksmithing .
Unfortunately , we continue to receive reports from consumers where they believe they have been a victim of a rogue tradesman . Usually , they believe they have been overcharged , quite often have been subjected to aggressive behaviour and in worst cases left feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes . One common factor amongst these reports is that they found a locksmith using a search engine .
This exact issue was covered in a recent ‘ RIP off Britain ’ episode , where two consumers had approached the programme with their stories of being ripped off by a locksmith . We were keen to use this this opportunity to turn the discussion to the search engines which are enabling this behaviour pointing out the recent ban Google placed on locksmith ads in some other European countries who had experienced similar issues with rogue advertising . We pointed out the issues which struck a chord with them as it turns out the two case studies had indeed used locksmiths that had been found on Google . We were pleased to see the question being asked as to what the search engines plan to do about this issue , but not surprised with the lack of answers from them . We ’ re continuing to try to get through to Google but it ’ s a very difficult nut to crack .
Support your industry . Support the MLA .
A supportive community By becoming a member of the MLA , you become a member of the community . You ’ ll be invited to join our Facebook members group , where you ’ ll be introduced and welcomed by members . This is a positive group where you can share ideas and concerns , and ask questions . If you ’ re not a member you can still join our general Facebook group where you ’ ll be updated regularly with upcoming events , training , and campaigns .
There is no doubt that this supportive community is at the heart of the association and our regional meetings are the perfect example of this community in action . Our regional meetings offer a great opportunity to network , take advantage
of some free training and get up to speed with industry advancements .
Our London region meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Moby Dick in Romford . Their Christmas Dinner will be held on December the 14th at the same venue – everyone welcome .
The Midland region recently met for a successful , jam-packed weekend in Solihull , with very informative , hands-on product demonstrations and training from ABUS . One member even won himself an all-expenses paid trip to Germany .
“ Thanks very much all for the brilliant Midland Region Meeting . Brilliant to meet everyone again …”
“… These types of gatherings are the beating heart of the association , in my opinion …”
All members and non-members are welcome at our regional meetings , so please come and join the one closest to you to find out what we ’ re all about . Please follow us on Facebook for all the latest regional meeting news .
8
NOV / DEC 2022
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor