Train locksmiths secures growth funding

13th March 2013

A Greater Manchester locksmiths business has opened the door to further growth after securing a six figure finance package from Yorkshire Bank.

Train Locksmiths has acquired new premises in Atherton, near Bolton, that will enable it to provide a number of locksmith services under one roof having previously been based over three sites in the region.

The family-owned business has received a £220,000 loan from Yorkshire Bank’s Liverpool-based Business and Private Banking Centre to help finance the new premises.

The four-storey building allows Train Locksmiths to merge its training business, security centre and lock import business onto the same site.

Mark Aldred, managing director of Train Locksmiths, said: “We have grown significantly in recent years to become a market leading locksmith training business with a turnover of over £250,000.

“The new premises are over one and half times bigger than the three former sites put together, so this is a significant investment that brings huge operational efficiencies as well as the space needed to grow the business further.”

Marc De Brabander, relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank in Liverpool, said: “Mark has shown real entrepreneurial ability to build up the business over a number of years, going from being a locksmith to one of the country’s leading locksmith trainers.

“His knowledge of the industry is second to none and that’s why he has been so successful in creating a niche business; one that typifies the diverse range of sectors the bank is able to support.”

Mark trains over 100 locksmiths every year. The business also operates its own security centre offering members of the public advice on home and business security and the opportunity to purchase locks and lock fitting services.

Mark also runs Nationwide Locksmiths, which provides services across the country, generating work for the locksmiths he has trained. The business has won contracts with the Ministry of Defence and Department for Work and Pensions.

A further sister company in the group is Intolocks Imports Ltd which buys in locks and lock picks from abroad to supply equipment at trade prices to those completing their locksmith training.

A former joiner, Mark has been a fully qualified locksmith for over 20 years and started teaching other locksmiths 10 years ago after he was asked to design a training course for a locksmith franchise business.

He runs the business with his wife Karen and son Martin, while the firm also employs a further two people.

Mark added: “I chose Yorkshire Bank because they had the personal touch. Marc came out to see me and was interested in getting to know how my business worked, rather than just looking at the numbers.”