Company History

Having spent several years working for Baron & Co Locksmiths in Soho and  Capitol Lock & Safe in Palmers Green, in 1984, Malcolm McGrath, the present owner of Keymakers, started a new locksmithing business in conjunction with August Alarms. Situated at 707 Green Lanes in the heart of Winchmore Hill Broadway, the alarm company had established an enviable reputation for its competence and high standards. The new locksmithing business at the same address became known as August Lock & Safe and grew steadily in its first few years.

In 1986, Michael Holllidge, formerly of the prestigious Tower Key Company (where he had spent 21 years) joined August Lock & Safe. Michael brought a great deal of knowledge, experience and skill to the fledgeling business and it continued to prosper. In 1987, Malcolm passed his examinations and became a Member of The Master Locksmiths’ Association. In 1988 both August Alarms and August Lock & Safe were purchased by the British Electric Traction Group and Malcolm and Michael were left to manage the locksmithing business under its new banner of Shorrock Security, a subsidiary of B.E.T. The main intention of this organisation had been to buy a large number of alarm companies which it most certainly did. However, it had, in the process, also acquired a few locksmiths businesses which did not fit with its plans.

In 1990, after successful and amicable negotiations, Michael and Malcolm bought the stock, machinery and lease from B.E.T. and Keymakers (London) Ltd was formed. The company continued to grow, despite several recessions, and acquired the additional adjacent shop units at 709 and 711 in 2005. Although Michael retired from day-to-day work in the late 1990’s, he remained a director of the company until his 90th year in 2023, continuing to lend to it his good name and reputation. On the last occasion the company underwent its routine inspection by the MLA, the inspector described us as a “Well organised company, who continue to be a flagship of MLA company membership.” It is a compliment of which we are very proud.