Locksmiths & upvc lock repairs in Macclesfield and surrounding areas

Is your locksmith an ex-burglar?

Locksmith Features

Believe it or not, the locksmithing industry is not regulated in any way by the Government. This means that anybody can trade as a locksmith irrespective of their competence, background or motivation.

Whereas other areas of the security industry are government licensed (e.g. door staff, or even keyholding companies) the government sees there being no need to regulate the locksmith industry.

Criteria to become a MLA LocksmithCRB Checked Locksmith

For this reason the MLA has its licensing scheme for MLA Approved Companies where by those locksmithing companies who are promoted on the MLA’s find a locksmith web page and use the MLA Approved Company logo  have met 3 key criteria;

  • They’ve been vetted (the MLA has been at the forefront of vetting for a number of years and recently got the law changed to enable the association to perform standard level  Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks on members following debates in the Houses of Commons and Lords and being added to the exceptions order for the rehabilitation of offenders act,
  • They are regularly inspected (The MLA has a team of inspectors who go to check approved companies on a regular basis, this inspection can include checking jobs done by the company, getting keys cut, checking audit trails for quality purposes etc.)
  • They employ a qualified locksmith (somebody who has passed an exam based proof of competence to ensure a minimum standard has been achieved)

It’s for this reason that we’d always recommend use of an MLA Approved Company. We suggest you Find your local MLA Approved Company

Master Locksmith AssociationMacclesfield

Members of Cheshire East Council’s “Buy With Confidence” Scheme

Locksmith Features
MacclesfieldIn response to concerns about ‘rogue traders’ which are often highlighted in the media, a partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services have taken a ground-breaking step by putting together the Buy With Confidence Scheme. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

History

The Buy With Confidence scheme was first launched by Hampshire Trading Standards in 1999. At around the same time, Devon Trading Standards initiated a similar scheme called ‘CustomerFirst‘. The two schemes became successful, and were also adopted by neighbouring Trading Standards Services. As the schemes grew larger and began sharing information, it became clear that there were benefits to working together under the same rules and branding.
The two schemes merged formally in 2008 as ‘Buy With Confidence’, by which time over 20 local authorities were participating. Buy With Confidence is the largest scheme of its kind nationally and continues to expand its geographical coverage. A number of Trading Standards Services have joined recently and you can check whether your local area is participating by checking our map.

Independence

Buy With Confidence is run through the cooperation of a number of Trading Standards Services. We consider that Trading Standards has the right expertise and motivation to offer a scheme which offers genuine benefits consumers and businesses. Accordingly, the Buy With Confidence scheme is administered by local authority Trading Standards Services directly, and is not outsourced.

Entry Vetting

In order to become a Buy With Confidence member, a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks. Membership of the scheme is not given lightly – amongst other checks, each applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit from Trading Standards. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme’s code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records disclosure may also be required in some circumstances, there is a cost of approximately £25 per check which is not included in the cost of joining BWC.
Only if all the scheme requirements are met, will a business be granted membership, and their conduct will continue to be monitored thereafter. We cannot promise that Buy With Confidence members’ work will be perfect every time, but you can expect any problems to be dealt with fairly by the business, and you can turn to Trading Standards for advice in the event of an unresolved issue.

Members of the Master Locksmiths Association

Locksmith Features

Master Locksmith Association

 

Cusworth Master Locksmiths are Licensed company members of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)

With no government licensing of the locksmith industry, The Master Locksmiths Association, a not for profit organisation established to promote the level of skills and ethics within the industry, has established its own licensing scheme whereby its approved companies are vetted, undergo regular inspections to ensure quality, and employ a locksmith with an exam based qualification.