For decades, DES Locksmiths has been a trusted name across London and the South East – a family-run business with deep roots in security, innovation, and reliability. We first featured DES back in April, when they launched their Golden Key Secure initiative. This month, we caught up with joint owner Nicky Crossman for an update on what’s new, and valuable tips on how locksmiths can diversify their offering as winter sets in.
Growing Strong & Staying Grounded
DES Locksmiths, based in Canvey Island, Essex, continues to thrive under the leadership of brothers Nicky and Lee Crossman. Over the past year, the business has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading suppliers and installers of access control and high-security locking systems for housing associations (HAs), local authorities (LAs), and commercial clients.
“About 90% of what we do is securing communal areas,” Nicky explains. “We’re still working closely with housing associations and councils across London and Essex, and we’ve expanded into new services like Wayfinder signage and fire door maintenance. These not only meet client demand but also create great opportunities for locksmiths to diversify their offering.”
The Golden Key Keeps Shining
The Golden Key Secure system, first introduced as a safer alternative to traditional fire brigade (FB) keys, continues to gain momentum. Every London Fire Brigade appliance now carries a Golden Key, and DES has supplied thousands more across Essex and beyond.
“The Golden Key is going from strength to strength,” Nicky says. “We’ve had a large influx of locksmiths and companies coming on board. It’s great to see others embracing the system, as it genuinely improves safety and access control for everyone involved.”
The original issue, he explains, came from the misuse of FB drop keys. “People were buying them online for a few pounds on Ebay (cheaper than buying from the HA) and using them for the wrong reasons – sometimes even giving them to kids. We’ve seen drop keys fail when the fire brigade actually need access. It’s frustrating to see HAs spend tens of thousands on a new communal door, only to fit it with a weak link like a drop key system.”
DES continues to educate its clients on upgrading their properties to high-security cylinders, carrying out proper routine maintenance, and robust key control – the foundations of what Nicky calls the ‘golden thread’ of security.
Safety in Communal Spaces
With the darker months approaching, Nicky stresses the importance of proactive maintenance for landlords and property managers. “Communal cupboards that house electrical equipment should never be used as storage for scooters, bikes, or personal belongings. It’s dangerous and it’s becoming too common,” he warns.
He urges locksmiths who work with housing providers to have conversations about securing these areas. “We’ve got socket covers designed to prevent misuse, and we can supply replacement or upgraded lock cylinders for FB cupboards and communal doors. These are small, straightforward upgrades that make a big difference.”
He adds that back gates, bike stores, and basement areas often go overlooked. “Simple things like ensuring door closers work, removing snibs from back doors, and fitting door alarms if they’re left open too long can dramatically reduce antisocial behaviour and vandalism.”
Nicky also points to a recurring issue: residents leaving doors on the latch, for example “A tenant living on the 15th floor orders a Deliveroo and leaves the entrance door open for their takeaway driver, it can be 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