How a Training Grant Helped LA Locksmiths Expand and Improve Work-Life Balance

Luke Almond started his business, LA Locksmiths in 2017. Since then, it has grown steadily through offering a wide range of commercial and residential locksmith solutions in a 30-mile radius from its Trentham base.

As the business has grown it became evident to Luke that he needed help to tackle the increased workload, and the long hours he was working. Luke’s brother-in-law, Tim Flackett, was keen to get out of retail and work in the business, but the problem was that Luke did not have the time for someone to shadow him on the job.

Thankfully, Luke found out about training grants available through Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. And with the help of the Skills Hub team based at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, he was able to secure a grant of more than £2000, which paid for a week-long residential course for Tim at the MPL Locksmith Training Centre in Wakefield.

By the end of the course Tim had completed the City & Guilds Specialist Locksmith Course at Level 3 – Competence in Locksmithing and UPVC repair.

Luke Almond said: “Obtaining the grant through the Skills Hub has made a real difference to me and my business. I had previously employed another locksmith who had to move away due to personal circumstances which meant I was working longer hours, getting stressed, and missing out on time with my family.

“Having the ability to take Tim on, and fund his training, came at just the right time. I know the training he has received is the best because I took the course prior to starting my business back in 2017. Having the grant also meant that I could use money from the business to purchase, sign write and kit out a second van for Tim to use.

“Straight away after the course Tim was able to go out on his own to jobs without supervision. He will always call me if he needs advice, but this is not too often.

“My wife and I have recently had our second child and I needed time off after the birth. A few months ago, I would have had to put the business on hold, but Tim was able to keep the business running during my paternity leave.”

Tim Flackett said: “This time last year I was working for a large supermarket chain. The hours were anti-social, and I did not see this as my future.

“The opportunity to re-train as a locksmith and work in Luke’s business was one, I couldn’t miss out on. I work sociable hours and have a job satisfaction that I never had before.

“The quality of the training I received was excellent and it gave me confidence to go straight in to handling all manner jobs for LA Locksmiths. I am very grateful for the support from the Skills Hub and from Luke in helping me to change career and do I job which I really enjoy.”

Suzanne Quinn, Project Manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “This is a great example of what a relatively small amount of funding can do for a business. Luke has been able to remove the block to growing his business and create a new position for Tim. With the business now continuing to grow this will hopefully lead to more employment opportunities soon.

“Outcomes such as this justify what the Skills Hub is here to achieve.  It’s this collaboration between The Skills Hub and the local authorities in Staffordshire that is making a really difference to small businesses such as LA Locksmiths.”

To speak to the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Skills Hub about training and funding streams email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk