Banham Security

[globallockytoo]

I was recently in London and noticed a number of Banham Lock and Alarm security stores around town. Are they a big thing there? A chain? they seem to have many localities sewn up for key control entry systems. I see their cylinders and embossed escutcheons everywhere.

I went into one store and they sell safes, cut car keys, sell alarm systems and CCTV.

They looked nicely laid out and very specialized. Only saw 3 other companies trucks on the roads there.

[pixel]

Lots of Banham in London, don't see too many outside of London
even though they have a few shops. Nice locks. http://www.banham.co.uk/

[Rickthepick]

They are some of the best looking locks available. Nothing like that my way

[taylorgdl]

Its all one company (i.e. not a franchise), and their locks are often required by insurance companies for properties in London.

Good quality locks, but the company is a pain to deal with.
They have their own locksmiths and charge a fortune!

[EmCee]

...their locks are often required by insurance companies for properties in London.

I didn't know that - but it explains why they are common in London but not elsewhere.

They have their own locksmiths and charge a fortune!

I didn't know that either.

[rphillips52]

Banham are really a London-based locksmith/installer company.
They designed and patented their own locks, but (as is a common practice in many industries), not having their own production capability, they contracted with a company which did, to make Banham locks for Banham's exclusive use. That company was Erebus.
In recent years, production has moved to Guardian Lock & Engineering Co. They have sophisticated CAD design capability and are good at designing and making short-run specials for anyone. In concert with Banham, Guardian Locks now do most of the new designing for Banham, as well as production, to Banham's requirements. But the locks are still Banham locks.
Guardian also make locks for several other companies.
Their trade mark is Imperial Locks, and their motto is 'We make locks'.
http://www.imperiallocks.co.uk/about.htm

[NickBristol]

Also Banham aren't that bad a company to deal with - once they get to know you, and demanding a discount as if it is a right doesn't inspire any company to like you. I must admit it took a good while to build a relationship but now I get a decent (but not exceptional) discount but more importantly know that I get excellent products customised for my clients and delivered in 48hrs at most. Maybe it helps that I'm outside London so not a direct competitor?

[RigaMortice]

Someone said to me once 'If tanks had latch locks, they'd be Banhams'

They define the term high security in London, specially the more crime prone areas.

I figured it was more about personal security concern then insurance regs but I guess I assumed wrong.

Some London guys I know won't touch them. Others advertise themselves as 'Banham Specialists'

It's safe to say Chubb is the main security branding in the UK but Banham are getting there, if anything the Chubb of London.