In an industry often judged by its worst operators, Stewart McCracken is quietly doing the opposite. Based in Leeds and covering West Yorkshire, the founder of Yorkshire Locks is building a reputation around trust, education and professionalism in an unregulated trade.
With an army background, a passion for problem solving and a strong belief in doing things the right way, Stewart represents a new generation of locksmiths determined to stand out for the right reasons.
Finding Locksmithing Through the Army
I never planned on being anything other than a soldier. As a kid, that was all I wanted to do. I ended up doing around 12 to 13 years in the army all in, with a break in between.
The first time locksmithing crossed my path was through resettlement. One of the lads I worked with was getting out and training as a locksmith. I remember seeing him going around the offices picking locks and I just thought, that would suit me. Problem solving, working with my hands, figuring things out. It ticked a lot of boxes.
I did my training through resettlement credits back in 2013 in Newcastle and became a locksmith when I left the army. I later went back into the forces in 2019, but an injury to my hand brought that to an end in 2022. By that point I’d met my wife, and returning to locksmithing made sense. It gave me flexibility, independence and something I genuinely enjoy.
I won’t lie; I missed the army. The job itself, the friendships, the banter. The old army made better soldiers in my opinion. It’s softer now. But life moves on, and locksmithing has become my thing.
Coming Back to a Changed Trade
Coming back into the trade properly after time away was a bit of a shock. The market had moved on and high-security locks had become the norm, standards had changed, and I had a lot of catching up to do.
I trained again with other locksmiths I know and did further courses with Fortress Locksmiths. I’m big on training. You can’t stand still in this trade. One of my closest mates in the industry is Andy Perrin. Funny enough, we met through YouTube when I entered one of his competitions and won £500 worth of tools. Everyone thought it was a fix, but it was completely random.
We got chatting, then his stepdaughter lost her keys while she was at university in Leeds and I went and sorted her door. From there we just became good friends. We’ve been to each other’s weddings, talk every week and share ideas. We both probably like the job a bit too much.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Leeds and Yorkshire are packed with locksmiths. It’s competitive, and there are plenty of £49 call-out merchants and rogue traders about. That’s one of the biggest challenges starting from scratch.
The way I chose to deal with that was education. Explaining what a proper locksmith does, why certain locks matter, and what customers should look out for. That’s why I joined Certified Locksmiths & Security. I want people to know I’m vetted, trained and accountable. I can show my digital ID and prove I’m certified.
The industry desperately needs regulation. Anyone can buy a drill and call themselves a locksmith. It leaves customers unsure who they’re letting into their home. I don’t think the government will ever fully regulate it, but even simple things like mandatory DBS checks would put off a lot of rogue traders. Until then, it’s down to us to raise standards ourselves.
Education Over Hard Selling
Most people call a locksmith because something’s gone wrong. A lock’s failed, a door won’t shut, or they’re worried about security. My job is to take that stress away quickly and calmly.
I turn up when I say I will, explain things in plain English and get them secure without causing extra hassle. I don’t believe in pressure selling. I believe in educating people so they can make the right decision.
That’s why I blog on my website and post on social media explaining things like British Standard locks, insurance requirements and common security mistakes. I want customers to understand the difference between a professional service and a cowboy.
Social media has been massive for me. Facebook works best, especially local residents’ groups. I’ll post a couple of times a week with useful information, not just “I’m a locksmith, phone me”. TikTok’s been good for short educational videos too, showing upgrades or explaining why certain locks matter. Instagram, I’m not on so much, but you don’t need to be on all channels, you just need to be active and genuine where you are.
The Job, the People & the Banter
What I love most is the challenge. Figuring out what’s wrong, how to fix it properly, and meeting people. I’ll talk to anyone. Some locksmiths don’t like working alone, but I enjoy it. The banter with customers makes the day go quicker.
After the army, the physical side is nothing. There’s not much heavy lifting, and the work keeps your brain engaged.
My wife’s a mental health nurse, but she can pick locks and sometimes comes out with me if she’s got a day off. She finds it fascinating and acts as my little apprentice.
Then there’s Cali, my black Labrador. She’s seven, completely nuts and loves people. She comes out with me on simple jobs and customers love her, even when she’s a bit hyper.
Quality, Craft and the Right Tools
My favourite jobs are repairs. Frame repairs, adjustments, anything where I can use the skills I’ve invested time into learning. There’s a bit of carpentry involved and it’s satisfying doing a proper fix rather than just swapping parts.
In terms of products, I stick to what I trust. Apex cylinders for 3-star, Doras D6 for 1-star are my go-to at the moment. Smooth, reliable and I’ve never had issues. APS from Apex as well. Next-day delivery helps too.
I’ve also been ridiculously lucky in competitions. Won £250 worth of Doras stock guessing how many keys were in a box at MLA Expo. I seem to have a knack for that.
Building Trust, One Review at a Time
Trust is everything. I want to be one of the most trusted locksmiths in Leeds. That only happens by showing people who you are, not just posting pictures of locks.
I made a mistake when my wife was pregnant and unwell with pre-eclampsia. I thought I’d paused my Google profile but accidentally deleted it and lost all my reviews. That hurt. I’m back up to 50 five-star reviews now and aiming for 150 this year.
If I get a fake review, even a five-star one, I report it. I want everything to be genuine. That’s how you build a locally trusted business.
Looking Ahead
The plan is to grow steadily, build my online presence and keep educating customers. More blogs, more behind-the-scenes content, more showing the person behind the business.
Being contacted by Locksmithing Journal meant a lot. Seeing mates like Andy featured and then being asked myself is proper recognition. I’ll frame it and use it in the van. It shows customers I’m serious about this trade.
More info
Yorkshire Locks is a trusted, independent locksmith service based in Leeds, covering LS postcodes and wider West Yorkshire. Founded by ex-forces locksmith Stewart McCracken, the business specialises in uPVC door and window locks, home security upgrades and 24/7 emergency locksmith services. With over 10 years’ experience, no call-out fee and no VAT ever, Yorkshire Locks is known for honest advice, professional workmanship and a strong commitment to raising standards in the locksmithing industry.
07301 500825
info@yorkshirelocks.com