Barry's Locks 

The Benyon Estate is marking a 35-year professional association with one of Hackney’s most respected and long-established businesses, Barry’s Locks.

Originally launched in 1980, the company is a locks, door and security specialist on Southgate Road, which has supported the Estate since it became a tenant.

Over the years, the company has provided a range of security services for the Estate – and the partnership is still going strong.

Manager Jack Whiting and his seven strong team provide key cutting services, lock fitting and the supply and installation of security grilles on doors and windows.

“When we became a tenant of The Benyon Estate they recognised we were an established family business with a service they required and we have supplied them with physical security services since then,” said Jack, whose father Barry started the business.

Over the years, the Estate has always looked after us and there has always been good communication between us.”

The company was originally established by Jack’s father Barry, who started by fitting locks on construction sites. Although not involved in the day to day running of the business, Jack says he often pops in a few days a week, ‘to keep his finger on the pulse of the business.’

Jack believes the key to the success of the business and its longevity is the personal touch he and the team pride themselves on when it comes to looking after clients.

“As an established, family-run business, we are very fortunate to have the loyalty of employees who have been with us for many years,” said Jack, who joined the family business 18 years ago.

“That means when a client calls, they can always speak to the same person or they can call me up and say we have a problem, and they know we will sort it out.

“It’s about that personal touch with familiar people that you sometimes don’t get with bigger companies. It helps that we are locally based too, which means we are close by to respond to whatever the Estate requires.”

With a range of both commercial and domestic customers, the company offers all aspects of lock fitting and repair, as well as key cutting services.

There is also a range of security solutions available, including the latest video and card entry systems, CCTV and alarms and roller shutter systems. The team also offer burglar bars and security gates, as well as providing a 24-hour emergency service.

Much has changed in the security industry in the 35 years that Barry’s Locks has been working with The Benyon Estate, not least in the advances in technology, particularly in terms of electronic systems.

But Jack firmly believes there will always be a place for the physical security solutions that his company has supplied and fitted for tenants over the years.

“You can have all the latest technology in the world, but you will always need the physical security of a deadbolt on your front door or a security grille across your window,” added Jack.