The ALA will celebrate its 30th anniversary in April 2026, marking the journey from a small Nottingham meet-up to a national voice for auto locksmiths. From a trade once barely recognised as its own discipline, a handful of determined locksmiths laid the foundations for what the ALA is today.
The ALA team are helping to organise the specialist vehicle seminars at the upcoming MLA Lock Expo in October 2025.
The Call for Organisation: The ALA Was Born
Almost 30 years ago, auto locksmiths were carving out a niche of their own, working under pressure, combining mechanical skill with electronics, and earning customer trust. Yet there was no dedicated support network or professional organisation for them.
Traditional locksmith associations didn’t see the need to include auto specialists. But demand was growing, and a specialist trade representative who regularly visited locksmiths around the UK began gathering feedback: would they support a dedicated auto locksmith association? The answer was a resounding ‘yes’.
A small committee of individual locksmiths (not companies) organised the first training-led meetup in Nottingham. It was such a success that a second event was agreed that same year. That members-led, hands-on training approach still defines the ALA today.
“Paul Souber was the catalyst,” says former chairman Andy Morgan. “We started with training sessions every six months. As more people got involved, we added small exhibitions. Now we’ve got around 100 vetted members, all working auto locksmiths.”
Twice a year, members gather for weekend meetings that combine specialist training, supplier exhibitions, and plenty of relaxed networking. It’s a formula that’s worked for three decades, including hosting the world’s first auto-only locksmith convention in Manchester, which drew over 400 visitors from 28 countries. The idea and delivery of this landmark event came from a small group of ALA members who gave up their own business and personal time, as well as resources, to make it happen. Among those who played key roles were John Bodley, whose technical input, training class ideas, and know-how proved invaluable, and Tim Hart, who kept the event on track by co-ordinating the hotel, exhibition, exhibitors, and overseas visitors. The ALA continues to support its members through strong partnerships (including with the ELF, European Locksmith Federation), ongoing training, and knowledge sharing that keeps pace with changing technology.
A Trade Organisation Built by and for Auto Locksmiths
The ALA was founded by people within the trade to fill a gap: a place where qualified, working auto locksmiths could be recognised and trusted by the public, not overshadowed by call centres or generalist directories.
It’s a professional organisation solely for independent auto locksmiths – to raise standards, build trust, and support auto locksmiths in standing out based on skill and credentials.
Why It Matters
With growing demand has come growing confusion. Customers searching online often find national companies that subcontract work, or directories where qualifications are unclear and reviews unreliable.
The ALA cuts through the noise. Every locksmith listed is vetted, DBS checked, and active in the trade. There are no silent members, just real, working professionals committed to doing the job properly.
Still Run by Working Auto Locksmiths
The ALA’s strength lies in its foundation: it’s run by active professionals who face the same day-to-day challenges. It’s not about lead generation or commercial gain, it’s about community, professionalism, and standards.
“The goal’s always been to keep it professional,” Andy says. “If someone’s got the ALA symbol on their website, then they should know what they’re doing.”
Members must pass a practical technical exam, complete a DBS check, and actively participate – whether at events or through the vibrant WhatsApp group that replaced the old web forums.
“That group gets around 50 messages a day,” Andy adds. “If you’re stuck on a job, someone’s usually got the answer. It’s a great support network.”
Passing the Baton: Kenny Grant, Current Chairman
Kenny Grant, the ALA’s current chairman, took over from Andy after years of involvement, though, as he jokes, “I didn’t step back as quick as the rest of them.”
Kenny, like many members, began as a general locksmith before moving into auto. His leadership continues the focus on training and upskilling.
“We’ve pushed forward hard on training,” Kenny says. “We run a couple of meetings a year, bringing in specialists or drawing on members who share what they’ve learned. Sometimes that means calling on experts like Craig, a Citroën master technician from Citroën Servicing in Edinburgh, who has delivered specialist classes on diagnosing and fixing complex vehicle electrical faults, amongst many others as and when we need specific training.”
“We’ve really pushed ahead with training,” Kenny says. “We hold a couple of meetings each year, bringing in specialists or drawing on members who share what they’ve learned. Sometimes that means calling on experts for example Craig, a Citroën master technician from Citroën Servicing in Edinburgh, who has delivered specialist classes on diagnosing and repairing complex vehicle electrical faults. When members identify a knowledge gap or problematic vehicle, we bring in the relevant specialist.”
Membership & Training: “What Will I Get?”
Training is at the heart of the ALA. Members get access to exclusive, in-depth sessions, combining guest instructors and member-led training. Topics include diagnostics, EEPROM work, and fault resolution, such as the well-known Citroën C4 and Peugeot 3008 immobiliser fault traced to a faulty onboard module.
The ALA also transitioned from web forums to WhatsApp groups, giving members instant access to peer support, supplier deals, and technical help.
When asked, “What do I get for my membership?” the ALA’s answer is simple:
“Whatever you put into your association.” It’s a network built on participation, where active members benefit most from shared knowledge, support, and professional connection.
International Connections
The ALA continue to look outwards and establish connections with other autolocksmiths from abroad, aiming to extend the ALA principle of being “run by autolocksmiths for autolocksmiths” to like-minded groups and individuals.
The ALA’s impact now reaches far beyond the UK. Over the past 15 years, the committee has built strong ties with the European Locksmith Federation (ELF), delivering training across several countries, often covering EEPROM, diagnostics, and lock picking in a single class. Members from Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, and Ireland have since joined, and others from Italy and the USA have participated in the past. “These cross-border connections aren’t just professional, they’re personal and they last – but yes, they take effort to establish.”
Upcoming: MLA Expo, 17–19 October 2025
Specialist Auto Locksmith Training at “The Garage”
For those serious about advancing in auto locksmithing, the MLA Expo at Telford International will run a full auto locksmith training programme in “The Garage” – a dedicated space for hands-on vehicle sessions from 17–19 October 2025.
Organised by the ALA committee, the two-day programme includes specialists on:
- Vehicle lock picking
- Car remote key repair
- Basic picking class on HU66 and HU101
- Proximity & remote function fault diagnostics
- Volvo key & module programming
- Van lock awareness & demonstration
- TDB1000 overview & fault finding
- TBD023 proximity & remote function fault diagnostics
Training is free for ALA members (pre-registration, ID, DBS, and company registration required). See full details and booking on the MLA website:
https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/the-garage/auto-training/
This event offers real-time demos, direct manufacturer insights, and access to cutting-edge tech to help members stay ahead in this fast-evolving industry.
The Heart of the ALA
Despite its growth, the ALA remains what it always was: a community of locksmiths helping each other, on jobs, in training, and in raising the public perception of the trade.
“We’re not a franchise. We’re not chasing numbers,” Kenny says. “We’re here to keep the trade professional, connected, and supported.”
After nearly 30 years, the ALA’s motto still rings true: “An association run by members, for members” which we still hold true after 30+ years.
See this story featured in The Locksmith Journal:
https://viewer.joomag.com/the-locksmith-journal-111-august-2025/0610691001757422165/p18