Summer 2009
All Certified ICL members are ICL licensed locksmiths and are vetted annually. This is in line with the MLA whose approach on this we endorse. The ICL has always vetted its members, requiring a new check every two years. The ICL has decided to change this to an annual background check. The ICL support advice to the public that only ICL and MLA locksmiths should be used.

Summer 2009
The ICL is proud to be invited to the MLA exhibition in September 2009 and run training courses for MLA members in the non-destructive opening of locks. With the current MLA chairman being a member of the ICL, we can further endorse that these two organisations represent the best and most trusted resource of locksmiths to the public.

Spring 2009
The Institute announce the ICL Security Exhibition to take place Nottingham in March 2010. Read all about it.

More news …

  • Winter 2008
    Institute membership categories have been restructured inline with the needs of Members, clients and customers. Read full details of the new membership structure.
  • Autumn 2008
    The new industry publication 'The Locksmith' has been launched initially as an online newsletter. It will be available in printed form in January.
  • Autumn 2008
    ICL have endorsed the Ban the Bump Key campaign. Find out more and support the campaign.
  • Summer 2008
    The Institute of Certified Locksmiths Annual Convention 2008 was held on Friday 12th September 2008 at Meadow Lane stadium, the home of Notts County Football Club. It was open and free to all trading locksmiths. Full details
  • Spring 2008
    ICL have been discussing with an independent publishing house the possibility of putting together a monthly locksmith industry publication. We are pleased to say that they want to persue this and go ahead.

Earlier news …

  • The ICL endorse Pickbuster as a positive enhancement to home security which should be used in conjunction with other protection products and methods. You can find out more at Pickbuster and UAP.
  • The Pickbuster story is covered in this news article about UAP on the Fenestration Industry News website.
  • ICL now offer a range of branded merchandise for ICL members featuring the well-known ICL logo. Full details
  • There was a social event for ICL members on 12th July 2008 at the Locksmiths Training Centre
  • The ICL has been working closely with a number of police forces to address the issue of the bumping of locks. We have been working with police officers, crime prevention units and scenes of crime officers across the country to address their questions with regards to this issue. A number of meetings have taken place with the Metropolitan police, Gwent police, Somerset and Avon police etc. The ICL has been happy to assist the police in their understanding of the problem and in the advice of preventative measures.
  • The ICL has been asked by the Police / Crown Prosecution Service to write technical support statements which will allow the police to arrest and charge suspects who are caught with bump keys as a means of 'going equipped' to commit an offence. The ICL is pleased to have assisted and supported this action as part of its support to combat the problem of bump keys being obtained for illegal purposes.
  • The ICL summer event took place on 14th July 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the very centre of Nottingham. Read the report.
  • The ICL endorses Safe Ventures and their tools.
  • Keyprint held open days called Update for Locksmiths on the 9th and 10th June 2007 in Edinburgh. The events ran from 10am to 4pm on both days, with a barbecue and refreshments at all times. There were demos, expert classes and a safe-opening competition.
  • The ICL demonstrated tools to the uPVC forum in Alfreton, Derbyshire on 8th March 2007.
  • Ken Peterson demonstrated his picks to ICL members and invitees in Guildford on 11th February 2007.
  • The tour of the ERA factory for ICL members took place on 24th November 2006, followed by a tour (with a private opening) of the lock museum in Willenhall.
  • ICL members are eligible for a discount on all SKS products. For details, login to the members only section.
  • The SKS open day was held on Saturday 9th September 2006 in Berkhamsted. The Institute had its own exhibition stand, with pick demonstrations and special offers available on the day. There was also a free barbecue, free bar, competitions and promotions.
  • The Institute's forum is available to all locksmiths for discussion of industry issues. It is managed and maintained directly by us, freeing us from the technical difficulties that we experienced with the previous version forum.