Access2

Neil Furness Joins The Team at Access 2

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Furness as our new Regional Sales Manager for the North. Neil joined us on Monday, 9th April, and with a considerable track record in our industry, I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running.

Neil’s previous position was with M. Marcus (ISEO), where for the past 4 years he has been Territory Sales Manager. Prior to that, Neil worked for Lloyd Worrall, in Sheffield, as their Technical Sales Representative. He has also worked for five years with Classic Hardware in York. An expert and experienced Architectural Ironmonger, Neil’s time at M. Marcus has given him a thorough understanding of manufacturer sales and in particular cylinder sales.

Neil will be responsible for growing sales of both mechanical cylinders and electronic access control products and will look after our areas 2 and 3 – the North of England.

Neil lives in Leeds and is married with two young kids. He tells us he’s excited about the new role and that he’s looking forward to meeting you. We are sure you’ll give him a warm welcome, It’s exciting to be adding to the sales team. The move reflects our commitment to continuously grow the company and I would like to thank you for your support.

Clint Robertson, Sales Director, Access2 Ltd.

Keep the conversation going

More Posts

Why it pays off to invest in mechatronic or electronic security technology

Security has moved on. Traditional mechanical cylinders still have their place, but today’s buildings demand more: greater control, better auditability, remote management, and future-ready flexibility. That’s where mechatronic and electronic security technology delivers measurable value. One standout example is the TOKOZ ePRO mechatronic cylinder, a solution that intelligently blends mechanical robustness with electronic access control. It represents a smart evolution rather than a wholesale replacement of proven mechanical security. What is Mechatronic Security? Mechatronic security combines: The result? A cylinder that looks and installs like a traditional euro profile lock, but operates within a controlled electronic ecosystem. The TOKOZ ePRO Advantage The TOKOZ ePRO cylinder functions like a standard euro profile cylinder, meaning: Installation is straightforward, with no radical door modifications required, making it ideal for retrofit projects as well as new builds. But beyond mechanical familiarity lies its real strength: electronic access control embedded inside a secure cylinder platform. Why investing in Mechatronic Technology pays off 1. Enhanced access control without replacing every door With mechanical-only systems, lost keys often mean expensive cylinder changes. With mechatronic systems: This dramatically reduces long-term operational costs. 2. Full audit trail and accountability Traditional keys leave no record. Mechatronic cylinders provide: For commercial, healthcare, education, and multi-occupancy buildings, this level of oversight is increasingly essential for compliance and risk management. 3. Flexibility for changing environments Buildings evolve. Staff change. Tenants rotate. Security requirements increase. The TOKOZ ePRO system allows: This adaptability ensures the system continues to deliver value long after installation. 4. Retaining mechanical security strength One common concern with electronic systems is durability. The ePRO addresses this by maintaining: You gain electronic control without sacrificing mechanical integrity. 5. Future-proofing your security investment Electronic and mechatronic access control is no longer niche — it is rapidly becoming standard in: Investing now reduces the risk of premature system obsolescence. A mechatronic platform provides a transitional pathway from purely mechanical to fully integrated electronic systems when required. Mechanical vs Mechatronic: The Real Difference Mechanical Only Mechatronic No audit trail Full event logging Physical rekeying required Credentials programmable Fixed access structure Flexible, scalable access hierarchy Lower upfront cost Lower lifetime management cost While initial investment may be higher, the total cost of ownership is often significantly lower with mechatronic systems. A smart upgrade, not a compromise The TOKOZ ePRO mechatronic cylinder demonstrates how modern access control does not have to mean complexity. It installs like a standard euro cylinder, works with traditional mortice locks, and operates with familiar key functionality — yet adds intelligence, flexibility, and accountability. For organisations looking to enhance security without rebuilding infrastructure, mechatronic technology offers a practical, scalable, and financially sound solution. If security is critical to your building’s integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency, sticking purely with mechanical systems may limit your control and increase long-term costs. Mechatronic solutions like TOKOZ ePRO provide: In today’s security landscape, that combination isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategic advantage.

Read More >
A photograph of school children raising their hands. There are approximately 10 children in the image sat in a well lit classroom. They are wearing blue school jumpers over white shirts.

Preparing School Locking Strategies for Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law, introduced to improve security in public spaces, is prompting schools and other organisations to re-evaluate their locking strategies. With safety under greater scrutiny, it’s important for facility managers and school administrators to understand the options available and ensure their buildings are prepared. Classroom vs Clutch Cylinders: What You Need to Know With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, building locking strategies—particularly in education and public spaces—are coming under greater scrutiny. One area often overlooked is the difference between Classroom and Clutch lock functions. In a barricade situation, a Clutch Cylinder allows a keyholder to override the internal thumbturn from outside, whilst still allowing the door to be locked from inside the room. This helps maintain control of the space while preventing unauthorised access. Traditionally, many educational buildings have used Classroom Function, but in certain situations a Clutch Function may provide a more appropriate solution. How Access2 Can Help At Access2, we can help convert Classroom cylinders to Clutch Function without affecting the existing master key system. This means schools can upgrade their locking strategy quickly and efficiently, ready for the next term or planned refurbishment. If you’d like to review your current setup or discuss options, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Read More >

Solverwp- WordPress Theme and Plugin