VIPVIEWPOINTS MLA
MEMBERSHIP
BENEFITS By Dr Steffan George from the Master Locksmiths Association
Although there are a host of trade as- sociations all over the UK, sadly there are also a large proportion of so-called associations that offer members little more than use of a logo. However, an association should be more than just a name and it’s important for a trade as- sociation to actually represent some- thing. A good association has the responsi-
bility to help its members thrive, raise awareness of the value of being a mem- ber of said association and do its upmost to enhance and shout about the skills of members and successes of the industry as a whole. Tere are a number of benefits of being
a member of a recognised trade associa- tion like the Master Locksmiths Associa- tion (MLA). Not only do we campaign for our members’ voices to be heard, but we also strive for greater industry recogni- tion for the locksmithing profession as a whole, offer regular training, provide ac- cess to the latest guidelines and advice, and promote the services offered by our members. Being part of the MLA also provides
members with the opportunity to work alongside and train with
fellow lock-
smiths at both a national and a regional level. Regional meeting, events and get- togethers provide support to members all over the UK enabling them to build pro- fessional and social relationships with fel- low locksmiths. Our online members’ forum is also
hugely popular and discussion is often fo- cused on gaining advice, second opinions and recommendations from likeminded professionals as well as sourcing prod- uct etc. Our members-only magazine Keyways is also an invaluable resource to locksmiths of all levels. An additional perk of membership is the opportunity to access a range of dis- counts that can help with every day busi- ness and home life costs. We work hard to be able to offer members the best deals possible and work with market leaders to
offer locksmiths benefits they cannot ac- cess via any other means. Te range of discounts available to MLA
members includes, but are not exclusive to, the following services: • Discounts from manufacturers and suppliers
• Discounts of up to 27 per cent off vans (excluding any dealer discounts)
• Discounted and tailor-made insur- ance cover
• Discounted debt control software package
• Discounted banking advice • Discounted credit card processing rates and processing terminals (for those who take a lot of credit card payments) or discounted ’virtual terminals’ (for those who don’t take credit card payments that often)
• Access to British Independent Retailers Association’s (BIRA) clearing system
• Discounted financing for lock- smithing essentials such as vans or key machines
• Ability to offer commercial customers monthly payments for certain jobs whilst the member gets paid in full at the outset
• Discounted fleet services • Discounted roadside assistance • Reduced rate advertising packages • Discounted telecoms • Discounted website development • Discounted training (not just
30 • NOV/DEC 2011 •
WWW.KEYZINE.CO.UK courses run by the MLA)
• Discounted task management sys- tem to help organise daily activity and plan appropriately
• Discounted health and safety service
• Reduced rate employment law services
• Discounted Police National Computer (PNC) checks for stolen vehicle verification
• Discounted British Standards As well as being able to access dis-
counted rates via the MLA, members benefit from being associated with the organisation. We are the go-to body for leading insurers, the Home Office, police and the RISC Authority to name just a few and we regularly work with leading bod- ies to raise understanding and respect for the locksmithing profession, as well as promoting the fantastic work our mem- bers are carrying out. MLA approved companies, having met
the ’vetted, regularly inspected and quali- fied by examination’ criteria, also benefit from being able to use the MLA logo and name and being advertised on the MLA’s website and in their trade directory. Tey could also use the logo in the form of a sign on their premises, on vehicles and stationery and on their website. Mem- bers are also welcome to use official MLA press releases and use their membership to reaffirm their status to members of the public who recognise the high standards the approval by the association brings with it.
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