About City Lock & Safe Ltd
Celebrating 65 Years in Business.

City Lock & Safe Ltd provide a wide range of Security Equipment and Services to secure all types of properties including, domestic properties, Residential Homes and Businesses from Commercial and Industrial to Metropolitan & County Councils, NHS Trusts, Police Authorities and Blue Chip Companies.

65 Years of locksmiths Stockport

Our trusted, knowledgeable and experienced City Lock & Safe Ltd team…

Tom Clarke

George Clarke

James Brooks

Andy Kay

Scott Blundell

andy kay locksmith

Jake Wilson

Our History

City Lock & Safe Ltd was founded in 1957 and has established itself as one of the North West’s leading Master Locksmiths, Safe Engineers and Architectural Ironmongers. Originally based in central Manchester, the business relocated fully to Stockport in 1972. Still under family ownership, currently in its 3rd generation, the company employs many long-standing skilled people.

The story begins!

Formed initially in 1870 in Manchester, trading as G.W.Wilkinson Locksmiths & Whitesmiths. It was there, under the guidance of Mr. Wilkinson, that Ray Clarke served his apprenticeship.

1955

The sign of things to come

Following the sad death of Mr. Wilkinson, Ray and fellow apprentice and soon to be business partner Austin Chadwick ran the company for Mrs Wilkinson.

Ownership change

Ray Clarke & Austin Chadwick, both aged 20, purchased the company and changed the name – City Lock & Safe (M/C Co) was born, April 1st, 1957.

1958

Combined service of 100 years join the company

Joining as apprentices Harry Handforth & Neville Hough remained with the company until 2005 and 2014, respectively. Progressing to Sales and Service Managers.

1962

Outright ownership

Ray purchased Austin’s share of the company to become the sole proprietor.

1966

Stockport Branch

With a close association with Stockport, having studied at Technical College, Ray opened the Stockport Branch – 19 Buxton Road.

1972

Relocation to Stockport

The closing of the Manchester branch came in 1972. With the company expanding, larger premises in Stockport were required. 33 Buxton Road, Heaviley, was purchased and has remained home to the company to this day.

1976

Tom joins the company

Ray’s son, Tom, joins the company. Like his father, Tom spent his formative years ‘On the Bench’ learning the trade followed by several years as a service engineer gaining further hands on experience.

1978

Belinda joins the company

Ray’s daughter & Tom’s sister, Belinda, joins the company providing over 35 years’ service.

1988

Annali joins the company

Ray’s daughter & Tom’s sister, Annali, joins the company and remains in position today as Company Secretary in charge of finances and the purchase ledger..

1989

Tom is appointed Managing Director

Having progressed from Service Engineer to Sales and Marketing Tom is appointed Managing Director in 1989 and the second generation of management and ownership begins..

1990

Stop the press!

A profile of the company within a trade magazine, partnered with security industry wholesaler Colson.

1997

40 years in business

1957 – 1997 celebrated 40 years in business. Continuing to trade with new and existing customers, some of which have had custom with the business from the very start.

2005

George joins the company

Aged 18, George joined the company straight from college. Like his grandfather and father before him, George spent his initial years in the workshop and the Master Keying Department learning the trade from within.

2006 1

Harry Handforth passes away

Following a short retirement period Harry very sadly passed away in 2006. The news came as a shock to his family and employee’s past and present.

2006 2

EuroSafes establish – www.eurosafes.co.uk

The company established ‘Euro Safes’, the online buying arm for Safes and Data Cabinets. This advance into website sales had led to the company exporting safes and security hardware throughout Europe and beyond.

2007 1

Pinnacle Hardware established – www.pinnaclehardware.co.uk

In this year Tom very proudly achieved his Diploma from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and has since establish ‘Pinnacle Hardware’, now an integral part of the business suppling Architectural Ironmongery working with architects and contractors alike on specifications.

2007 2

Ray officially retires

Having relinquished full ownership and day-to-day running of the company some years previous Ray decided to formerly retire in 2007 – marking 50 years in business for both him and the company.

2008

James Brooks joins the company

Aged 17, with some experience of the trade, James joined the company as an apprentice. Learning the trade under established and experienced members of staff. James has gone on to excel in all avenues of the trade and became a full Member of the British Locksmith Institute (MBLI) in 2014.

2014

Neville calls time

In his 70th year, and with 50 years’ experience Neville retires from the company to spend more time at home and with family, both in New Mills and Sweden. Neville continues to remain in touch and on occasion calls in to say hello!

2015

George has a seat at the table!

Marking 10 years in the industry and with the company,  2015 saw George become a shareholder and Director of City Lock & Safe Ltd and CLS Group Ltd.

2017

60 years in business

1957 – 2017 celebrated 60 years in business. Close to retirement age but showing no signs of stopping just yet!

2019

Master Locksmith Association visit

Regularly visited and inspected by the MLA – May 2019 was a proud moment for all involved with the company past and present, with the kind words offered by former President – Gary Eckersall. “City Lock & Safe Ltd are an asset as a member of this association” Master Locksmith Association (MLA) inspection May 2019.

2020

Keeping up with the standards

Development of euro cylinders has seen the rise in standard TS007 / 3* & Sold Secure Diamond. With an ever growing amount of UPVC and Composite Doors in domestic properties,  City Lock & Safe Ltd set about ensuring Customers have a perfect solution to keeping their homes, valuables and loved ones safe and secure. Twinned with an awareness campaign of leaflet distributions,  and evenings with the Police to present to the public  the ever-common threat of ‘Lock Snapping’.

2022
City Lock & Safe Ltd

1957 – 2022 celebrated 65 years in business.

A very proud achievement for everyone involved with the company.

4.9
401 reviews
  • CA
    Cathy Andrews
    March 17, 2023
    5 Star locksmith

    Just had Scott out to fit a replacement lock for me after it had broken and left me unable to close the back door. Superb communication; very professional and helpful. Highly recommend ..

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  • JC
    Jon Cohen
    April 14, 2023
    5 Star locksmith

    Great service, phoned in the morning and the same afternoon Scott came out and fitted a new and more secure lock, gave us really helpful info on locks too, highly recommended!.

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  • SP
    Sam Platt
    February 21, 2023
    5 Star locksmith

    James came out and was fantastic , 10/10.

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  • VL
    Victoria Lofas
    August 26, 2022
    5 Star locksmith

    I was given a quote quickly when I sent photos of my locks. An appointment was arranged within the same week. Andy the engineer carried out the work quickly and efficiently. He answered all my lock-related questions and explained something I didn't know about Yale locks which will increase my front door security. Thanks Vicky.

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  • AM
    Annette Murphy
    February 20, 2020
    5 Star locksmith

    I organised a survey and installation for myself and the members of our local neighbourhood watch group, as there have been multiple break-ins in our area and a lot of my neighbours are elderly and/or on their own. George was brilliant. He used the list I gave him, to arrange the surveys, with all my interested neighbours, where he took the time to explain the benefits of anti snap locks. A group discount was offered and the locks were fitted at times and dates to suit us all. The fitter, James, was extremely punctual and professional and explained everything to me as he fitted the locks. I was given duplicates of all the keys and he made sure my doors were all fitting properly. It was a fantastic service and our watch group have all been thanking me for arranging the service, but the real thanks must go to George, James and City Lock and Safe, for their great service. Highly recommended..

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  • GB
    Gerald Blaney
    May 27, 2022
    5 Star locksmith

    Excellent service. They cut some spare keys for me, but unfortunately they did not work. I contacted City Lock and James came to my house and resolved the issue. He even checked and serviced the locks themselves to ensure the keys worked smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend them..

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  • HN
    Hayley Nash
    September 20, 2022
    5 Star locksmith

    Really quick and efficient replacement of door locks same day. Scott was very friendly and professional - would definitely recommend.

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  • AR
    Astrid Robb
    January 30, 2023
    5 Star locksmith

    James from city lock fitted me after fixing my neighbours lock , and did a superb job !! Really fast , friendly and the best type of lock super safe for me and my son ! Thank you so much !!.

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  • AH
    Amanda Hough
    May 30, 2022
    5 Star locksmith

    Thanks Scott fantastic service more than happy.

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Drop us a message to discuss, or call in to our showroom & workshop on 33 Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6LU

Call our experts on 0161 480 6116
FREEPHONE on 0800 389 1957

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City Lock & Safe Ltd

33 Buxton Rd, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6LU

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