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LOCATION , LOCATION , LOCKSMITHING : OWL LOCKSMITHS & SECURITY
» WE CAUGHT UP WITH BARRIE Howell of Owl Locksmiths & Security based in Hayle , South West of Cornwall . Contemplating retirement , Barrie told us it ’ s not yet time to hang up his lockpicks yet ! Supporting his family and earning a decent living , his health is good so why not keep going ! Barrie has worked all over – from Up-t ’ North ’, to the midlands , then Dorset and now Cornwall , it ’ s interesting to hear how locksmithing differs by location .
How did your Locksmithing Journey Begin ?
My locksmithing journey started back in 2003 , somewhat by accident . After leaving the forces at the end of 1999 , I worked for various companies as an employee which I could never get on with . I struggled working for others , and never seemed to earn quite enough as I wanted to , plus I found that many bosses were unprofessional . I wanted the independence and stability that came with being self-employed . Running my own business allows me to work the hours I choose but still earn a decent living .
I was involved in a few different ventures being self-employed : a manager / physical instructor at a sports club , a partner in a Scuba Diving School , I even set up my own commercial driving business , however , I found the work was either feast or famine . At that time , a friend suggested locksmithing . After completing a one-week course with the
UK Locksmith Association in London , I had learnt the basics but it was a big learning curve and a bit of a culture shock . Since then , I ’ ve built my own locksmithing business , Owl Locksmiths & Security , with my wife Sharon managing the admin , bookings and bookkeeping . The workload is manageable and during busy periods Sharon is more than capable of taking on common tasks to ease the pressure on me .
What Changes have you Seen over the Years ?
Over the years , I ’ ve adapted to the evolving locksmith industry , staying on top of new technologies like anti-snap locks and 3-star cylinders . Lock security has changed so much over the years , like everything else over time it becomes more advanced ; it ’ s the same with security products . When I first started the product range was a lot simpler . I remember when I started , the majority of doors were still wooden with night latches and mortice locks . Yes , there was UPVC but it was definitely basic multipoint such as Mila latch only with rollers , nothing like we have today . Trying to find a locksmith that would work on them was harder , and so , for anyone willing to learn , it was a good period . I remember talking to a couple of older experienced locksmiths and they said “ if it isn ’ t wood ” we won ’ t touch it ; I can ’ t imagine that attitude today .
Nowadays , I get to work on everything from the ‘ bog standard ’ brick built domestic home to housing worth millions , hotels to shipping containers , policy and immigration raids for repair and secure , commercial properties to swimming pools and even the odd ship or yacht . It ’ s great !
Regional Variations
While my business has expanded across Cornwall , I ’ ve worked in different parts of the UK , starting out originally in Leicestershire , and then Dorset , and now Cornwall . I have seen how different regions bring different challenge ! People have different views on security , as well as the type of locks and products on the doors are different , and how much people are willing to spend varies .
In Cornwall there are a lot of rental properties , albeit full residential or holiday lets . The rental properties often want the basics at a “ cheap ” price , whereas the holiday rental landlords want good
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OCTOBER 2024
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