From a Post-War Vision to a Modern Security Specialist
In Norwich, AC Leigh has evolved alongside the locksmithing and architectural ironmongery trade for more than six decades. Founded in 1959 by former pilot Arthur Charles Leigh after the Second World War, it has grown from a traditional lock supplier into one of the UK’s leading architectural ironmongers and secure access specialists.
Today, with around 100 staff across Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester, the company continues to expand while staying rooted in its heritage. We spoke with locksmith Roger Cutting, who has spent 22 years with the business, and Marketing Manager Patrycja Reimus, both helping shape the balance between traditional service and modern security solutions.
From Builders Merchant to Locksmith
Roger’s route into locksmithing was anything but straightforward. “I originally worked at a builders’ merchant for about five or six years and then went into general building,” says Roger. “But I didn’t see myself doing that forever because it’s physically demanding. The job at AC Leigh was perfect timing.”
He started on the trade counter, handling sales and serving customers before gradually moving into locksmithing. “About 11 years ago we got really busy on the locksmithing side, so I started helping out,” he says. “One of the locksmiths trained me and it progressed from covering holidays and sickness to doing jobs on my own.”
Today, Roger works solely as a locksmith, covering everything from emergency lockouts to planned security upgrades. “Every day is different,” he says. “I get my appointments on my phone and go from job to job. One minute you’re gaining entry to a house and the next you’re carrying out surveys or fitting new ironmongery.”
The Challenge of Locksmithing Never Changes
Despite advances in technology, Roger says the core challenge remains the same. “The biggest challenge is always gaining access because no locks are ever the same. Some jobs take minutes, others take hours depending on what’s fitted.”
A growing issue is poor workmanship from unqualified operators. “We see jobs where someone’s had a go and made things worse,” says Roger. “Then we have to go in and put it right properly.”
That’s why he values organisations such as the Master Locksmiths Association. “It’s good for customers to know they’re getting someone vetted and qualified,” he says. “People trust whoever appears first online, but that doesn’t always mean they’re getting the best locksmith.”
Expanding Beyond Traditional Locks
AC Leigh’s roots are in traditional locksmithing and ironmongery, but the business has expanded into electronic security. “We’ve got a security division now and we’re a platinum partner for SALTO keyless entry systems,” says Patrycja. “That side has really grown over the last five years.”
The company now installs systems in hospitals and universities. “It was a natural progression,” she says. “Customers wanted more than standard locks, so it made sense to offer it.”
The shift reflects a wider industry change, with locksmiths now needing both mechanical and digital security knowledge.
Six Vans on the Road & Expansion Ahead
AC Leigh operates six locksmith vans and is expanding across East Anglia. “Norwich is the main base, but we’re looking to grow into Ipswich and Colchester,” says Roger.
The business combines locksmithing, architectural ironmongery, access control and security, and master key systems. “We also do a lot of master keying and commercial work,” he says. “On the domestic side, key cutting is still huge. Most families want several keys cut and we can do that on-site, which makes things easier.”
Master Keying Expertise
AC Leigh’s dedicated Master Keying department, provides high-security and patented locking systems for businesses, councils, schools, universities and multi-site organisations. Systems range from simple keyed-alike setups to complex master key suites with sub-groups and restricted access areas, giving customers greater control over security.
The company offers restricted key systems where keys cannot be duplicated without formal authorisation, helping prevent unauthorised copying. All master key suites are built in-house by experienced professionals, allowing AC Leigh to provide fast turnaround times, flexible system expansion and reliable ongoing support.
Competing in a Digital World
While Roger focuses on fieldwork, Marketing Manager Patrycja Reimus has been leading digital change. “We’re moving a very traditional brick-and-mortar business into the digital sphere,” she says.
A key challenge is competing with large lead-generation companies dominating search results. “The large directories have bigger websites and more authority,” she says. “Smaller businesses can offer a better service but still struggle because customers trust the first result they see.”
Instead of chasing gimmicks, AC Leigh simplified the customer journey. “We redesigned the locksmith pages so services are clear straight away,” she says. “Whether someone is locked out, needs a repair, replacement or safe service, they can see the solution and book quickly.”
A major improvement to their website has been the ability for customers to upload photos. “Every customer uses the photo upload now,” she says. “It’s incredibly useful.”
For Roger, it has improved efficiency. “If I can see the problem beforehand, I know exactly what to bring,” he says. “Customers want convenience, and solving it first time makes everyone happier.”
The changes have also improved SEO performance. “We’ve moved from ranking fourth to third locally on Google and now get daily enquiries via our website,” says Patrycja.
Small Ad Spend, Big Results
Patrycja believes many locksmiths underestimate digital marketing. “Even £2 a day on Meta ads can make a big difference if the advert is clear and links to booking,” she says.
The company also runs PPC campaigns with specialist support. “We spend about £200 a month on Google Ads and see over 50 per cent conversion rates,” she says. “But you need someone who knows PPC properly or you waste money.”
Using a specialist has improved performance and reduced costs .“At one stage bookings dropped even though ads were running,” she says. “We refreshed the visuals and results came back quickly.”
Balancing Tradition with Progress
For Roger, the job still comes down to the same thing. “I still enjoy the challenge because every job is different,” he says. “What’s great about AC Leigh is we’ve evolved without losing our traditional values, and that’s why we’ve been here for more than 65 years.”
He believes that balance is key. “We’ve moved with the industry while still giving customers a great service,” he says. “That’s why people keep coming back.”
More information
Based in Norwich with additional branches in Ipswich and Colchester, AC Leigh Architectural Ironmongery has been supplying architectural ironmongery, locksmith services, access control and security solutions since 1959. The company works across domestic and commercial sectors, offering everything from traditional lock repairs and key cutting to advanced electronic access systems and master key solutions.