We caught up with Able2Access, a well-established business in Leicester with a 15-year history, that has recently undergone a change in ownership. The company was acquired by Sara Farrington and Brett Howard, both of whom were former employees with a deep appreciation for the business.
An Opportunity Too Good to Miss
When the previous owner, Chris Nicholls, was planning his retirement, he told me that he would be putting the business up for sale. I knew there and then that I wanted to own it, but the investment was too much on my own, but it was an opportunity too good to miss.
So, I asked Brett, a longtime friend, if he wanted to go into partnership to buy the business and he thought it was a great business opportunity too, so thankfully he said ‘Yes’ and we were able to combine our resources to successfully acquire the business and continue its legacy.
How it Became more than Locksmithing
Chris spent 45 years in the building trade before deciding to move away from contract work. Looking for a change, he took some locksmithing courses and started working as a locksmith. Chris found himself involved in supplying other lock related products such as multi-point locks, gear boxes and other structural ironmongery which eventually became the core business. Chris, originally operated the business from a van before acquiring a physical premises.
As the business expanded, Chris took me on to help out with trade counter sales and product support, as well as bookkeeping – I had worked there for 3 years when Chris retired so pretty much knew the business operation and was very well acquainted with his customers. The growth in sales for locking devices was so significant that locksmithing services were no longer a primary focus, allowing us to channel our efforts into the shop’s operations and customer service.
My job was very hands-on, I learned how to repair multi-point locks by changing individual parts instead of replacing the entire mechanism. Brett is a computer engineer I met through a mutual friend, he has another business and shared the offices at Able2Access for a while, so we got to know each other better. Brett naturally became involved in Able2Access due to his fascination with mechanical products and the “techy” aspects of biometric systems. His interest in programming and technology aligned perfectly with the business’s focus, making him an ideal partner to help lead the company into its next chapter.
Handling Housing Maintenance
We undertake a lot of work for housing associations and social housing landlords as part of reactive maintenance programs, supporting their teams with the supply of various parts for window and door gearing and hardware when properties become vacant. We also provide spare parts for electronic entrance systems to electrical companies.
Although traditional locksmithing is not a major part of our business operations now, we maintain a longstanding relationship with a trusted locksmith who handles those services on our behalf. This allows Able2Access to concentrate on their core business, which has grown significantly over the years.
Plans for Able2Access
We’ve been busy getting the premises sorted out as our landlord is doing repairs and maintenance on the building, which was an old factory. Inside is lots of business units and we’re waiting to be allocated an area for our unit’s business signage and branding.
This year we will be looking at extending our product range, basically all the parts our customers ask us for that we don’t currently stock. We want to make sure we can help them as much as possible by supplying everything they need from stock. We have a Shopify website that we will continue to expand and next on the agenda is starting to do social media marketing.
Challenges: Working it Out!
The greatest challenge is people asking about a part and saying ‘have you got this?’ and assume that one type fits all. There are so many varieties of hinges and mechanisms, we often have to coax more information out of people or just ‘work it out’ from photographs. It’s quite a challenge finding out what they need as they don’t always know.
I really love being on the trade counter dealing with trades people all day long, it’s my happy place. I enjoy the banter and helping people out, it’s a great friendly environment to work in and I enjoy the challenge of figuring things out, going down a rabbit hole or two in the process.
What We Offer Locksmiths
We would like to put a shout out to the locksmith community to say ‘we are here to help you’ with the supply of UPVC window and door locks and parts, multi-point locking systems and biometric locks. If you find yourself repairing doors or windows that need new parts, then reach out to Able2Access. We’re used to working from pictures sent to us and can identify the parts needed and get them ordered and sent to you direct. We will even give advice on how to fit products if needed.
The work we don’t do ourselves we’re happy to give to other people, we’re based in a student residential area so we get a lot of maintenance and locksmithing jobs come our way.
0116 255 8998
More information
Able2Access is experienced in the supply and fit of UPVC and composite door multi-locking systems. From our warehouse in Leicester, they stock a comprehensive range of multi-point locks from some of the most recognised manufacturers including Yale, Avocet, Coldseal and many more.
Founded in 2006, Able 2 Access have been at the forefront of the locksmith industry and we have rapidly grown our business to be able to assist our clients with all their key cutting, window locks, door locks and security requirements. Their professional team have unrivalled experience within the industry and our success is based on an ethos of being trustworthy, helpful and professional at all times.