At Locksmith Journal we hear time and time again how one chance moment can reshape a career; this time into a thriving multi-channel locksmith operation…
Matthew Arthur never planned to become a locksmith, his career path was firmly set elsewhere, until the Covid Pandemic hit and changed everything. What followed is a story of adaptability, calculated risk, and building a locksmithing business that stands out through diversification, trade support, and community connections.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
I’d been in telecoms since I was 17. Built a company up to 49 staff. Then Covid hit and, overnight, everything stopped, staff were put on furlough, and I wasn’t sure if I had a business at all. At that point I thought to myself ‘I needed a backup plan’.
I’d always been hands-on and wanted to move away from telecoms anyway. Then, funnily enough, I locked myself out of my own house. I called a locksmith, started asking questions, and something just clicked. That was it really. I started part-time, just learning the ropes. One thing led to another, and I realised that I actually really enjoyed locksmithing. It wasn’t just a stopgap; I had found a new career. Slowly, I wound down the telecoms business and built up the locksmith side. Looking back now, it was luck of the draw, but it changed everything.
From One Van to a Multi-Faceted Operation
When I started, it was just me on the road. Like most locksmiths, you graft, you build your name, and you take every job that comes in. Then things got busy. I brought on another locksmith. Then I took a leap of faith and opened a small shop, just key cutting to begin with, and that decision changed the direction of the business completely.
We realised there was nothing locally offering what we could, aside from Timpson, there wasn’t real competition in terms of a proper key centre or trade counter, and so we pushed further. We moved into a bigger unit, added a trade counter and built more relationships. Then secured a contract with a developer and everything scaled quickly. We went from cutting 10–15 keys a week… to 250 keys a week.
At that point, we had to bring in more staff, tighten processes, and think bigger. That’s what led to launching our online key cutting service, now we’re cutting keys to code for customers and locksmiths across the UK.
Building a Business That Serves the Trade
One of the biggest things that sets us apart is our focus on supporting other locksmiths.
We supply keys to code nationwide, and we offer trade discounts that are often cheaper than going direct to manufacturers. That’s been a big USP for us.
Locally, we also handle master key systems in-house. Because we’ve got the workshop and stock, we can offer same-day service. Locksmiths don’t have to wait two or three days—they can get what they need and get the job done. That’s been a big shift for us, instead of just competing, we’re supporting, and that’s something I’ve always believed in.
The Power of Industry Connections
The people in this industry are one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed. It can be a dog-eat-dog world at times, but if you find the right people, there’s a huge amount of support out there.
I trained with the UK Locksmiths Association, and from there I built connections with other locksmiths and suppliers. People like Mark Ward, I call him Mr Bumpkey as he runs BumpKeys4UK and has always been someone I can call if I’ve got a problem.
Same with others in the trade, whether it’s advice on a tricky job or sourcing something unusual, there’s always someone willing to help if you’ve built those relationships. If I’m honest, without those connections early on, I don’t think I’d have carried on. It’s hard being on your own out there.
A Different Kind of Work Stress
Before this, I was doing 16-18 hour days in telecoms. High stress, constant pressure, and I missed a lot of time with my older kids growing up. Locksmithing is still 24/7, it doesn’t stop, but it’s a different kind of stress. It’s more flexible. I’ve been able to be around more for my two younger girls, which means everything.
I also spent seven years as an on-call firefighter with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, so I’ve always been used to being hands-on and dealing with pressure situations. That probably helped more than I realised when I moved into locksmithing.
Now, my wife Kayleigh is involved in the business as well, handling admin, bookings, accounts. It’s very much a family operation. Long term, I’d love one of the kids to take it over. That’s part of what I’m building.
Blending Brands: Retail, Trade & Franchise
We run two sides to the business. Secure Choice is our shop, key centre, trade counter, and online operation. That’s where we focus on key cutting, hardware, and trade supply.
Alongside that, we’ve got vans on the road under the Lockfit brand. I took on a Lockfit franchise because I wanted a recognised brand behind the mobile side of the business. That combination works well, having a reputable brand presence on the road, and a strong local and national offering through the shop and online services.
Embracing Growth & Technology
We’re authorised key centres for multiple systems: APECS, ABS, Ultion, Mul-T-Lock, Yale. That gives us flexibility and credibility, especially when dealing with trade customers.
Smart locks are another area we’re keeping a close eye on. There’s a lot more out there now than there used to be, and the quality is improving all the time. We’re working with several manufacturers, including newer systems like BlackX. It’s definitely an area that’s going to keep growing.
Scaling for the Future
Right now, the focus is on developing the key centre and trade counter further. We want to increase what we can cut and produce in-house, streamline processes, and continue building the online side.
Over the next couple of years, the goal is to move into a bigger unit with more stock capacity. We’ve got a solid team in place; Shop management, engineers on the road, and marketing support. Now it’s about refining and scaling.
Advice to New Locksmiths
If you’re starting out, my biggest advice is to remember that it’s a slow burner. Don’t expect it to happen overnight and more importantly, don’t try to do it on your own. Focus on building connections and speak to other locksmiths – learn from people. That’s what puts you in a position to take on more jobs and grow your confidence. Without that support network, it’s a tough industry to break into.
01480 718320 | 0333 4040 956
info@securechoice.co.uk
www.securechoice.co.uk
More info
Secure Choice is a Huntingdon-based locksmith and security specialist offering a unique combination of retail, trade, and mobile services. Operating from Unit 19, Halcyon Court, the business provides a fully equipped key cutting centre, trade counter, and online key-to-code service for customers and locksmiths across the UK.
With multiple vans on the road, strong links to the Lockfit network, and a growing focus on smart security solutions, Secure Choice continues to expand its footprint in both the local and national market.