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Top 5 DIY SEO tips for locksmiths

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Top 5 DIY SEO tips for locksmiths

Posted on 15th April 2018 by

Website owners use search engine optimisation (SEO) to help search engines find and rank their web pages, so consumers can find them more easily. The majority of Internet searches (80%) is done via Google, as a result most SEO tips you’ll come across are geared toward getting noticed and ranked by Google.

There are a lot of SEO courses, and articles online, and there is always something new added to process. Try not to get overwhelmed, you don’t need to use them all. There are a few basic principles, which will help you to improve your search ranking straight away…

KEYWORDS

Make sure that you use the correct type of keywords on your website; Google’s Keyword Planner will help. Use keywords in articles, page titles, headlines, image names, and in your menu. Try not to overuse keywords though or it might think you’re trying to cheat the system. Instead, consider using variations of the same word and add a blog that you can post relevant information to (including keywords of course). Try to make posts at least once a month, to make sure information is up to date, and add links to external sites (more in point 3).

META DESCRIPTION

This is a short snippet of information that summarises a webpage’s content. Its main purpose is to get a click on your link so sales phrases with a call to action like ‘learn more about our services’, ‘get a quote’, or ‘call for a free consultation’ encourage this. Search engines – such as Google – show the meta description in search results mostly when the searched-for phrase (typed in by the consumer) is contained in the description, so try to think about what someone would be searching for; such as ‘locksmith in London’ or ‘change lock in Manchester’. Try to keep it under 150 characters, to make sure that Google and other search engines can display it correctly. Also, make sure that your meta description is unique, as Google may penalise you for copying a competitor. If you can, write a meta description for each page of your website; at the very least, your home page needs a correct meta description.

Here is an example of APECS meta description.

OUTGOING LINKS

All search engines like to see links to other authoritative sites, as well as links within your own site to more of your own content. Make sure that you add links to MLA website and the APECS website for better Google ranking. Also add social share buttons under each post in your blog to will help with Google ranking and your own online promotion.

INCOMING LINKS

These are links to your website from other sites. If you have social media already, then definitely add more links on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that take people back to your website. Having other quality sites linking to your content also goes a long way to improving your ranking so consider digital newspapers in your area, Trustpilot, or any other platforms, where people could add reviews on your business. Make sure that you only link well-known websites when leaving links to your page, because Google will judge your website by the quality of the incoming and outgoing links.

MOBILE FRIENDLY

So many people will be searching for a locksmith on their mobile phones or tablets. What’s more, Google has included mobile-friendly as one of the aspects it looks for when ranking a site. Check if your website is mobile friendly here: https://search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly

For additional information on SEO and marketing ideas, check out APECS website https://apecs.co.uk/MarketingTools and www.youtube.com/user/GoogleWebmasterHelp

6 year sentence for £600,000 locksmith fraudster

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Andrew Taylor, 55, of Ondine Road, London, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment after abusing his position of trust to defraud his employer – Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – of £598,000. The jury unanimously found him guilty of Fraud by Abuse of Position, contrary to sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006 (at Inner London Crown Court, 26th March, 2018).

This is the first conviction secured by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) since its establishment as a new Special Health Authority in November 2017.The judge also set a timetable for confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and the NHSCFA will now progress action to recover moneys obtained by Taylor during the course of his offences.

Andrew Taylor had worked for the Trust since 1998 and had been the Guys and St Thomas’ permanent locksmith from 2006. Due to the specialist role he performed, Taylor was responsible for sourcing and obtaining a best value quote for locksmith supplies to the NHS body. In March 2007 Surety Security (an incorporated Limited company from 2009) began to supply the health body with locksmith materials. Investigations revealed that Surety Security was actually owned and controlled by Taylor himself, and he exploited his position of both purchaser and supplier of security hardware requirements for the Trust over a number of years, charging the NHS extortionate mark-ups of up to 1,200%.

Enquiries also established that, apart from two very low value jobs, Surety Security had no  customer other than Guys and St Thomas’, suggesting that the company was set up and used solely as a vehicle to facilitate the fraud. After initial enquiries established that the value of the materials Taylor had obtained for the Trust had been billed at a vastly inflated mark-up, he was suspended, but resigned before disciplinary procedures were completed.

NHS investigators obtained witness statements from Taylor’s wholesale supplier, which confirmed the huge mark-ups the locksmith had charged his own Trust. They also obtained statements from a number of Guy’s Hospital employees to prove the method and value of the fraud. The locksmith’s computer was seized and forensically imaged by NHS forensic computing specialists, revealing template Surety Security invoices saved onto Taylor’s profile. Meanwhile financial investigators were able to prove that Taylor controlled the Surety Security finances.

The NHSCFA financial investigators also established that Taylor was leading a cash rich lifestyle beyond his legitimate means, which included paying for his son to attend a private school whose fees were £1,340 a month, and purchasing a brand new Mitsubishi L200 vehicle at a cost of £27,400.

Sue Frith, interim CEO of the NHSCFA, “This is a significant and rewarding outcome for the NHSCFA, and sends a clear message that we will intervene and take action against those who commit fraud against the NHS and who take money originally intended for patient care for their own personal gain. Andrew Taylor exploited his position at Guys and St Thomas’ to satisfy his own greed and personal lifestyle. The sentence imposed today should act as a clear deterrent to anyone else who thinks that NHS funds are there for their own gain, instead of being there to meet the healthcare needs of everyone. The NHSCFA’s action now continues to pursue the money taken by Taylor in order to return it to the NHS.”

If you suspect that anyone is committing fraud or another economic crime against the NHS, tell NHSCFA about it – you can call our 24-hour, confidential reporting line 0800 028 40 60 or visit our main website to report online: www.cfa.nhs.uk

Can’t stand the heat?

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Are you specifying the correct closers for metal fire doors?

Specifying a door closer for a metal fire door has historically been fairly straightforward; a specifier will look for documentation to see if a door closer is certified and how long it is rated for. However, a recent revision to certification to help improve safety means that this process has become more detailed – and it could catch specifiers out if they are not aware.

While many door closers are stated as being approved for metal fire doors, in a number of cases this only applies to insulated metal fire doors.  And with around 8 out of 10 metal fire doors sold in the UK being the non-insulated type, this means many door closers are not fit for purpose – with potentially disastrous results.

Non-insulated metal fire doors provide certified fire resistance for integrity only, protecting against the passage of fire and smoke. However, as the name implies, these fire doors are not certified for insulation and so cannot protect against the passage of heat. This becomes an issue for a door closer that is filled with a mineral or semi-synthetic mixed oil, as it can actually ignite when it reaches a high enough temperature. While UNION door closers are filled with an inert glycol oil which will not ignite, other brands of door closers use a flammable oil and thus their correct use should be carefully checked.

Certifire, the testing organisation, has recently revised its certification to more accurately state the type of metal fire door a door closer is approved for use. But with so many installers and specifiers unaware of this risk, UNION is urgently calling on installers and property owners to check any door closers fitted to non-insulated metal fire doors are suitable.

David Hindle, Head of Door Closer Sales at UNION, explains, “This is a hugely serious issue that all specifiers and installers need to be aware of. We believe many door closers could have been incorrectly specified for non-insulated metals fire doors, which could pose a real danger to lives in the event of a fire. Certifire has taken a proactive stance on this matter and updated the certification documents to give a specifier or installer more detailed information.

“Professionals can overcome this issue by following three simple steps. First of all, check all relevant Certifire documentation and make sure this has been updated for any recent amendments. Next, check whether the documentation includes details on the type of fire doors that the door closer has been tested on. Finally, where metal fire doors are covered, are there any restrictions on the type of fire door?  By following these steps you can discover if you have any issues to resolve with your door closers.”

For complete peace of mind, all UNION door closers are supplied with a glycol mix that has been successfully tested on non-insulated fire doors by two UKAS accredited fire testing facilities. Therefore, those choosing a UNION door closer can be safe in the knowledge that they are fitting a device that does not contain an oil that could possibly ignite in the case of a fire. Anyone worried that they may have a door closer that is not safe can also call 0845 2232124 for more information and advice.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: DO NOT GO TO LOCKEX*

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The organisers of Lockex 2018 – Security & Fire Safety would like to remind all locksmiths, auto locksmiths, security specialists, fire safety officers, architects, designers, planners, and specifiers that this June’s event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry is not your ordinary trade show.

Therefore, if you were expecting a weekend of irrelevant exhibitors and stands that exist only to promote themselves with nothing in return for the visitor, three precious days off wasted and leaving with an empty wallet, wishing you’d stayed at home with the family – or worst – worked instead, then please do not come to Lockex 2018, this is not the show for you.

*Okay, now here’s why you should go…

If, however, you prefer an industry event that listens to its visitors and exhibitors, monitors current events and responds to them accordingly, features the biggest and best names from the locksmith, auto locksmith, security, and fire safety sectors, offers all-inclusive packages to its stand holders and lets the visitors leave with more than they came with; free parking, free meal tickets, free goody bags, exclusive raffles and competitions – tool kits, champagne, cash prize draws, super car driving experiences to name a few – plus free training workshops and seminars, working demonstrations, product launches, key note speeches and a ‘Pavilion of Trade Bodies’ dedicated solely to the advancement and development of the visitor’s own career, and it’s been meticulously planned to avoid any major sporting event taking place this year, then sure, maybe, this could right for you.

But, seriously…

Lockex 2018 – Security & Fire Safety promises be a one-stop-shop for everyone in the industry of the latest designs and developments from across the globe. Exhibitors from all over the UK – and indeed the world – from Aldridge to Yale and everything in between will be hosting live demonstrations, displaying new products, and offering genuine free prizes and competitions.

The Lockex team has taken all the key parts from the first event – well organised, visitor-orientated, industry relevant and an exhibition that was actually enjoyable –  plus added some extra aspects to make sure newcomers and past guests alike will be satisfied. While the show may have expanded its reach – to reflect the ever-increasing concerns and considerations of security and fire safety – there will be no compromise on the quality of displays, demonstrations or exhibitors at the event.

From the breakfast butties on arrival and free parking, to the jam-packed schedule of training seminars and live evening entertainment, Lockex isn’t a show that’s going to waste your time and sting you with hefty parking charges and overpriced food and drink. In fact, it’s the show visitors can’t afford to miss.

The reimagined workshop space right in the heart of the Ricoh Arena, with eight demo zones and staging for the official key note speaker Neil Vann, means visitors won’t have to miss a moment of the show by walking out of the exhibition to attend their free seminars (plus exhibitors will get more traffic to their stands). The new 72-square metre ‘Pavilion of Trade Bodies’ will be hosting organisations such as the GAI, DHF, NSI, FDIS, SSAIB and UK Construction Week with representatives from all regions on hand to discuss CPD points and the latest certifications, compliance, and career options.

And finally, Lockex 2018 – Security & Fire Safety has teamed up with Fix Radio – the UK’s first radio station for tradespeople – to make sure the Ricoh Arena will sound just as good as it looks!

Click here to register today

Lockex 2018 – Security & Fire Safety takes place 8th, 9th and 10th June 2018 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. For more information and to register your interest as a visitor (and sign up for more updates as and when they go out) please visit: www.lockex.org

A simple way to enhance vehicle security

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Theft of tools or cargo from vans is all too common an occurrence. It’s not just a matter of replacing the items that have been stolen – van break-ins can leave people unable to work, behind on their schedules, losing contracts and facing higher insurance costs.

Vehicle manufacturers are improving security on their latest models, but there are huge numbers of vans and light goods vehicles on the road which have inadequate protection. You’ll see vans out there with clumsy hasps and padlocks which offer only a mild deterrent but plenty of hassle for the driver.

Smart and practical

New to the UK is the Vanlock, a universal auxiliary lock developed by Czech security specialists Tokoz®. The beauty of the Vanlock is that it can be retrofitted to almost any rear or sliding vehicle door. It’s practical with a dual slam-latching and locking action, which means the driver isn’t constantly fumbling for keys or risking things by leaving the vehicle unlocked ‘for a minute’. That slam-locking technology is backed up by an internal emergency escape toggle. Vanlock is purpose made for the job, strong and corrosion resistant with stainless steel components and a Makrolon® cylinder cover. It’s available in black or white, to suit most vehicle livery or fleet colour schemes.

The Vanlock utilises a euro profile single cylinder so they can be masterkeyed into an existing Tigris master keyed system, they can be keyed alike or simply keyed to differ. For those operating a fleet or working in situations where varying security levels are required, the Vanlock can be part of a larger fleet master-key system.

And there’s more

With vehicle security a major issue, Vanlock is sure to be a hit, but it is only part of a wider range of Tokoz® security products that are now available in the UK. Recognising the need to secure larger moveable domestic and personal items such as wheelie bins and motor bikes to even larger industrial equipment such as cement mixers, Tokoz® has introduced the X SAFETY BOX range. This too is locked with a euro profile insert cylinder, allowing these locks to be included as part of a wider home or business master key system.

The new Tokoz® Vanlock and X SAFETY BOX range are available in the UK exclusively from security experts Access2. To find out more call +44 (0) 191 215 0530.

#FSBConnect Cornwall at ExpoWest – Sustainability tips to save you money

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We are delighted to announce that Gill Pipkin is our guest speaker for this event. Along with our usual organised networking, Gill will be talking about how using sustainable practises in business can be beneficial to the bottom line and to getting new customers. Being “green” isn’t just for environmental campaigners, it is a real business issue and can also be used to great advantage when you know how. Gill is going to tell us how this means saving or even making money, gaining more customers and having a better business. You will also have free access to the Expowest Cornwall exhibition, an opportunity to network with their attendees and stand-holders before their gates open at 10am.

Across the UK there are thousands of businesses just like you looking to make new connections. To help local businesses, we host regular FSB Connect networking events #FSBConnect. These are high quality, face to face networking events that provide great opportunities, new contacts and business information in an enjoyable and relaxed format. There will be plenty of time to mingle with other attendees and the opportunity to circulate any promotional literature and business cards.

The next event is Thursday 8 March
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Electronic access control – your flexible friend

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Smart technology is playing an increasingly central role in both business and private lives and the digital revolution is making its way into the locks business.  Once the preserve of commercial offices or large multiple occupancy buildings, affordable electronic door locks are becoming more popular as a “smart” security solution for both homes and businesses.

The days of forgetting to lock the door, leaving keys in the door or locking them inside the house can be a thing of the past for customers by fitting the latest in smart locking technology.

Customer’s access control needs can vary widely, from just a few users of one lock in a residential or small business property, through to ever changing multiple users of multiple locks in a large commercial facility or hotel.  The rise in popularity of short term home/holiday letting has led to a greater demand for flexible multiple access systems that allow the owner to quickly and easily change access rights, often at a distance from the property itself.

ENTRY easy 5601 PINCODE

Ever at the forefront of security product innovation Burg-Wächter continues to develop the latest in electronic door locking systems that adapt to customers’ changing lifestyles.  Customers won’t want to pay for capability beyond their needs, so rather than producing a one size fits all system, Burg-Wächter has created a range of three tailorable systems which together cover all of the most popular installations.

Open sesame

secuENTRY 5702 Fingerprint

Most electronic door locks come with one or more means of entry, such as keypad, biometric (fingerprint), Bluetooth or RFID.  The entry level “secuENTRY Easy” system combines keypad, biometric fingerprint reader and Bluetooth technologies into one easy to use system.  The illuminated keypad is programmable with up to 50 different users with a choice of one million different codes for high levels of security.  There is also the option to include a biometric finger scanner, capable of recognising up to 24 different prints for added convenience.

The keypad provides IP65 weatherproof protection against dust and water, making it ideal for doors inside and out. T he power of Bluetooth allows the lock to be activated via the Burg-Wächter smartphone app, which is available on both Android and iOS.

ENTRY 5750 Software

At the top of the range, the “secuENTRY Pro” is a fully scalable version of “secuENTRY” that has been specifically designed for hotels and larger commercial installations with up to 2,000 users.  Dedicated management software allows time controlled access across multiple locks and is compatible with fully automated payment and check in/out systems.  The last 2,000 events are also recorded and viewable, which is useful for security auditing requirements.
Offering all the functions of the “secuENTRY Easy” system, the next step up is the “secuENTRY” professional installation system, ideally suited for locksmiths.  The stylish compact cylinder adds the flexibility of RFID access in the shape of passive transponder key fob.

Easy installation

One of the biggest deterrents for customers thinking of switching to electronic door locks is the expense and inconvenience of having to change the whole locking mechanism including the housing.  Burg-Wächter’s “secuENTRY” ranges overcome this hurdle as the cylinder is designed to be a direct replacement for standard Euro cylinders, cutting installation time and cost by leaving the existing lock housing in place.  The length of the electronic cylinder is adjustable up to 59/59mm, making it suitable for a wide range of door thicknesses up to 130mm.

Another installation consideration is power, which can be particularly challenging to route to the inside of the door.  All “secuENTRY” systems avoid this issue as both the keypad and cylinder are battery powered, and have a wireless operating range of up to 4m.  Once activated, the electronics release the locking mechanism inside the cylinder allowing the knob to be turned manually.  This method of opening the door keeps power consumption to a minimum, meaning that depending on setup, the system has a battery life of up to four years.

More police officers now than half a century ago

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The police today have more officers per capita than in the 1960s – challenging claims that they are understaffed, figures show.

Despite claims that forces are struggling to cope, analysis of Home Office data shows that in 1961 there were 807 people for every police officer in England and Wales, whereas the most recent figures, released earlier this month in a House of Commons briefing paper, show that there are now 462 people for every officer.

Several police forces, as well as the police watchdog HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, have said that recent cuts have left forces struggling to function properly.

The police were criticised for poor performance last week as the Daily Telegraph’s data analysis showed that nine in ten burglaries were left unsolved.

The Metropolitan Police has also said that it would no longer look into lower-level crime as a result of spending cuts.

Meanwhile they have come under fire for awareness-raising stunts such as officers painting their nails to highlight modern slavery.

The figures, which appeared in the Mail on Sunday, suggest that police numbers compare favourably with previous decades.

Police numbers rose during the 1980s and early 1990s, before falling to a 10-year low at the end of the 1990s and rising sharply in the early 2000s.

They have been dropping again since 2009, when they had reached a high of 141,647.

There are distinct differences between crime levels of 1961 and today. In 1961, 806,900 crimes were committed whereas ONS data shows that 5.2 million crimes were recorded this year, a 13 per cent rise from the year before.

A briefing paper published ahead of the London 2012 Olympics shows that crime per 100,000 people rose sharply during the 1960s.

An average of one million crimes per year was recorded during that decade, rising to two million during the 1970s and 3.5m in the 1980s.

More recently, according to the crime survey for England and Wales, crime peaked in 1995 and has been falling since although police recorded crime has risen in recent years.

Previous analysis of rising crime data has suggested that it can be partly attributed to changes in the way it is recorded, as well as the criminalisation of drug use and the rising value of people’s possessions and property.

The National Police Chief’s Council highlighted that the police are dealing with different crimes now than they were 50 years ago.

A spokesman said: “Policing in 2017 is very different to in the 1960s. We are dealing with an unprecedented terror threat, police recorded crime is up 13 per cent and forces are dealing with more complex, resource-intensive crime like modern slavery, child sexual exploitation, cybercrime and online fraud.

“Our mission is also wider, acting as the service of last resort for people who have fallen through the gaps of other services as well as providing effective local policing. We are meeting these challenges with officer numbers at same level as they were in 1985.”

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd, said: “We are clear that all crimes reported to the police should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts and met with tough sentences.

“This Government protected overall police funding in real terms since the 2015 Spending Review and maintained that protection in a fair funding deal this year.

“The independent Crime Survey for England and Wales – acknowledged by the ONS as our best measure of long term crime trends experienced by individuals and families, shows a substantial fall of nine per cent, in the year ending June 2017 and 38 per cent since June 2010.”

Figures also show that since 2010, the proportion of officers working at the frontline has increased and is currently at more than 93 per cent.

The Home Office has previously said that according to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary there is “considerable scope to improve efficiency.”

MLA trade exhibition proves to be “the best yet”

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The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has reported record attendance at its trade exhibition for the locksmithing and physical security industry.

The bi-annual event, which was staged earlier this month in Halls 1 & 2 of the International Centre in Telford, had a footfall of 2,309 visitors – 50.3% up on the previous expo in 2015.

In addition, 393 staff from 106 exhibitors from all over the world, including China, Russia and New Zealand were also at the event to showcase the latest security products and services, as well as having a chance to discuss industry trends and take part in training courses.

The attendance figures, provided by third party visitor registration company QRS, show that MLA Expo, which was being held for the 19th time, was not only the biggest and most successful MLA Expo since it was first held 35 years ago, but, according to some visitors is now the largest trade exhibition for the locksmithing industry in the world.

MLA Managing Director Dr Steffan George said: “We were expecting Expo to be big; having taken the step of expanding in to 2 halls we were delighted with the number of exhibitors who signed up seeing the show completely sold out. The key however is of course getting visitors there, and with 700 visitors walking through the doors within the first 3 hours of the show being open, we were ecstatic to get excellent feedback from exhibitors who couldn’t believe how busy the show was.

“Joining up with our colleagues at the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and creating “The Garage”; the area dedicated to auto locksmithing where all auto related suppliers were based seemed to work really well.

“Class leading training continued to be available at the show and will no doubt have attracted a lot of people to visit. Training at this year’s event included safe lock picking, lock decoding and picking, social media marketing, “how to think like a burglar” (to improve surveying skills), vehicle locks & cloning, electronics, access control and abrasive wheel certification to name but a few.

“MLA Expo is a truly global exhibition involving people from across the wider locksmithing industry, and that was proved once again. Total overseas visitor numbers almost doubled, splitting this down further, just over 90% more visitors came from Europe as did in 2015. It provides a fantastic opportunity for locksmith and security companies and professionals from around the world to come together, network and find out about the latest innovations in the industry. It is the perfect occasion for manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their products and services, network, share knowledge and make new contacts.

“Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike was phenomenal, with a number commenting on how it had been their best show ever. This sort of feedback makes all the hard work involved in putting the show together worthwhile. We’d like to thank all the exhibitors, Expo sponsors Brisant Secure, Garage Sponsors Silca, our friends and colleagues at the ALA, all the tutors and most of all everyone who visited. We look forward to announcing details for MLA Expo ’19 shortly.”

3 awards were given out at the MLA Expo; Best Stand was won by APECS, Most Creative Stand was won by Burg Wächter whilst Best Product was won by Sashstop, as judged by MLA board members who are working locksmiths. Our heartfelt congratulations go to them all on their well-deserved win.

The event also saw a Gala Dinner arranged by MLA Board Member Terry Watts on the
Saturday night, with a mix of a pre-dinner drinks reception, excellent food and entertainment with a great time being had by all.

The MLA’s charity raffle also took place with prizes very kindly donated by Brisant Secure, Aldridge Security, ABUS, Abloy, Burton Safes and Keyprint. Thanks to them and the generosity of those in attendance £3100 was raised for the charity of choice of the event which was Cancer Research. Pictures can be found below of the prize donors getting their certificate of recognition.

Numerous Industry awards were also given out at the dinner. Firstly the ALA gave a special award to Tim Hart in recognition for all the work he put in to help with the event. Ron Cliff was next up being awarded honorary membership of the MLA thanks to his significant contribution to the association over the years. Sid Owen was then announced as the winner of the Nigel Rose Bowl due to him having had the best BLI Exam results during the previous year. The final award was the Chubb Award; this most prestigious and well recognised award within the industry is bestowed by the board of directors of the MLA on the person they feel has done the most to further the locksmithing profession in the previous year. The recipient in 2017 was John Harding, somebody who has not only served as a board director of both the MLA and Sold Secure, but is current secretary of MLA London Region and has toured the country training on the vital H&S aspects of working with abrasive wheels.

UNION launches FastLatch

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UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has launched the FastLatch, a new range of push fit tubular latches and privacy bolts.

Designed with a stylish and modern appearance for interior doors, FastLatch is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to install due to its revolutionary round forend, reducing installation time and offering a professional finish.

Available in a choice of three high quality finishes – polished chrome, polished brass and satin nickel, FastLatch is supplied with both round and square corner strike options, enabling a quick and simple installation or retrofit.

FastLatch has been tested to 800,000 closing cycles, to ensure it lasts for decades of residential use, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Karen Hubbard, Mortice ­Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “FastLatch is a perfect fit for modern living, offering a stylish finish for interior doors. As well as meeting aesthetic needs, the FastLatch is simple to install, saving time for installers. FastLatch represents the quality, reliability and ease of installation that is expected of a UNION product.”

For further information, please visit www.uniononline.co.uk/fastlatch or contact the UNION sales team on 0845 223 2124. You can also like UNION’s Facebook page or follow on Twitter.