Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

Mul-T-Lock and Leeds Lock Centre are marking more than 20 years of working together, reflecting a long-established partnership shaped by technical expertise, professional trust and a shared commitment to well-engineered mechanical security. Leeds Lock Centre has been part of Mul-T-Lock’s authorized locksmith network for over two decades, supplying and fitting its products across domestic, commercial and specialist applications. Over that time, the relationship has developed in line with changes in both regulation and criminal attack methods, with product decisions guided by practical experience and performance rather than trend or aesthetics. Recognized security standards Most recently, Leeds Lock Centre has introduced MTL™300 Break Secure® 3XP Pro cylinder into its retail premises. The cylinder has been developed to respond to the increasingly sophisticated techniques used in forced entry and has been independently tested to meet the latest revisions of recognized security standards. Says Dennis, Martin and Antoaneta at Leeds Lock Centre: “We’ve been proud partners of Mul-T-Lock for over two decades, and the introduction of the MTL™300 Break Secure® 3XP Pro is a perfect example of why. This lock meets all required standards and offers the highest level of protection against emerging security threats. It’s a solution we’re confident recommending to our customers because it combines robust engineering with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their properties are well protected." Internal locking mechanism Built on the established MTL™300 platform, Break Secure 3XP Pro features a sacrificial front section designed to break away under attack, preventing access to the internal locking mechanism. It exceeds BS EN1303 Grade 6 requirements for durability, having passed one million accelerated operation cycles, and has been tested against current TS 007 3-star attack methods. It also meets the latest SS312 Diamond standards and has achieved Secured by Design accreditation, confirming its suitability for use across a wide range of applications. Dimple key technology Alongside physical resilience, Break Secure 3XP Pro uses patented dimple key technology with controlled key duplication, helping maintain long-term access management. Compatibility with existing MTL™300 master key systems was also an important consideration for Leeds Lock Centre, allowing the product to be specified without disrupting established system designs. Nigel Taylor, Director and Head of Locksmiths at ASSA ABLOY UK & Ireland, commented: “Our relationship with Leeds Lock Centre is built on long-term collaboration and honest feedback. They assess products based on real experience, which is exactly the perspective we value. Their decision to adopt Break Secure 3XP Pro reflects the work that’s gone into developing a cylinder that meets current standards and anticipates how those standards and attack methods continue to evolve.” With more than 20 years of partnership behind them, Mul-T-Lock and Leeds Lock Centre continue to work closely as the security landscape changes, ensuring product development, specification and recommendation remain firmly rooted in tested performance and professional judgement.

Mul-T-Lock’s MTL™500 platform has been selected by DES Locksmiths for its Golden Key initiative, a program focused on strengthening accountability, traceability and long-term security within master key systems. The Golden Key was developed in response to post-Grenfell fire safety concerns, addressing how emergency services access communal areas in high rise residential buildings. Introducing patented control Historically, fire brigade keys were widely available to purchase, which led to instances of misuse and unauthorized entry. DES Locksmiths launched Golden Key Secure using Mul-T-Lock’s patented MTL™500 platform to create a controlled, high security system that allows fire brigade access while ensuring each housing provider retains its own dedicated key system. “The starting point for Golden Key was a clear risk where fire brigade keys had become too widely available, leading to unauthorized access,” said Nicky Crossman, Company Owner at DES Locksmiths. “We needed a system to maintain immediate access for emergency services, while introducing patented control.” Accountable access management “Golden Key with Mul-T-Lock’s MTL500 platform achieves this through a high security master key structure, where emergency services hold a specific access key and each housing provider retains its own dedicated system. This ensures access remains restricted, consistent and traceable over time.” At the core of the initiative is Mul-T-Lock’s MTL™500 mechanical platform, which supports structured key hierarchies and controlled duplication. It allows complex master key systems to expand over time while remaining compatible with existing infrastructure, making it ideal for environments with evolving access needs. Using a patented system, keys can only be duplicated through authorized channels, with clear record-keeping ensuring secure, traceable, and accountable access management. Secure access solutions The Golden Key system has already been implemented with more than 10,000 properties converted, particularly within social housing.  This is following early engagement from housing providers who highlighted the risks associated with uncontrolled key access. Fire services across London, Essex, Surrey and Oxfordshire carry the Golden Key, with further rollout planned across additional regions. Collaboration with authorities including the Metropolitan Police has also helped establish coordinated, secure access solutions. Formal agreements with the London Fire Brigade are expected to be the first initiative of its kind in over 30 years. Ensuring emergency services Dan Dodds, Mul-T-Lock Regional Sales Manager concludes: “The Golden Key initiative shows how important it is to get key control right from the start. It’s about having a clear, well thought-through approach from day one, rather than trying to fix things later.” “It demonstrates how Nicky and the team at DES have taken a real issue and turned it into a solution that genuinely works, not just on paper. And our MTL™500 solution sits behind this, helping to keep the system effective, whilst ensuring emergency services can get in when they need to. It’s a simple, practical answer to a real problem."

Nestled in the scenic countryside near Umberleigh, Northcote Manor Country House Hotel & Spa combines award-winning accommodation, fine dining, and a tranquil spa. This 18th-century country house is devoted to providing elegance and security for its guests. Partnering with local locksmith experts, Keyhole Surgery upgraded its security management by installing a Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite. MTL™300 master key system Mul-T-Lock’s MTL™300 master key system offers ideal security for Northcote Manor’s 16 guest rooms. The suite enhances safety across the hotel, giving management precise control over key access while ensuring guests' peace of mind. Richie Herkes, General Manager of Northcote Manor Country House Hotel & Spa, commented, “At our beautiful Georgian manor, dating back to Tudor times, we’re committed to providing our guests with a serene and secure environment.  We trusted David to deliver an upgrade to our room security’s existing system that could accommodate." Additional security layer With the Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite, management can establish a hierarchical access structure "He recommended the Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite as a secure yet discreet access management across all rooms and common areas, improving our operations without compromising style.” With the Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite, management can establish a hierarchical access structure, ensuring only those with the appropriate permissions can enter restricted room areas at any given time. The capability to manage multiple permission levels adds a critical layer of security, minimizing unauthorized access and enhancing operational efficiency. Easy installation improves overall management David Pearcy of Keyhole Surgery explained why the MTL™300 was the ideal choice for the upgrade, “For a distinguished property like Northcote Manor, it was essential to implement a high-security solution that wouldn’t interfere with the building’s stunning historic appeal." "The Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 suite provides the right balance with a cylinder design that is easy to install on existing doors. The master key system allows staff to access essential areas quickly and efficiently, reducing the need for multiple keys and improving overall management.” Secure and flexible access management system The Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite minimizes keys in operation for Northcote Manor The Mul-T-Lock MTL™300 master key suite minimizes keys in operation for Northcote Manor, while maintaining a secure, flexible, and efficient access management system specifically designed to give authorized personnel-controlled access to the hotel’s rooms and facilities. Ian Thresher, Mul-T-Lock regional sales manager for the South-West, shared his thoughts on the partnership, “Northcote Manor’s decision to work with Keyhole Surgery as an established Mul-T-Lock authorized dealer and to implement the MTL™300 master key suite reflects a forward-thinking approach to hospitality security." Precise security management "MTL™300 offers an elegant, streamlined solution that aligns perfectly with the hotel’s dedication to both guest comfort and operational excellence." "By reducing key clutter and enabling precise security management, this system helps Northcote Manor retain its renowned beauty and charm safely for many, many years to come.”