From the Editor
THE YEAR OF THE LOCKSMITH
» AS WE WRAP UP ANOTHER YEAR here at The Locksmith Journal , it would be a cliché to say that I can ’ t believe it ’ s December already and the last issue of 2024 , but it ’ s a cliché because it ’ s true . It ’ s also true to say I believe this has been the best year of the magazine so far , certainly in my time here , which is just over seven years now .
This year we set ourselves a task to get more real-life locksmiths in the magazine , and since February we have featured no less than 41 locksmith interviews , each one has been a little bit different and every single one has been so interesting . Thank you to all of you that contributed by either taking the time to talk to myself or Wendy , or in recommending someone you thought would be suitable . Can we make it past the 50 mark in 2025 ( and by that I mean another 50 starting from January )?!
We couldn ’ t have done this without your help , but also without Wendy , so sincere thanks to her for all her hard work this year . I know anyone who has spoken to her has had a lovely experience putting the articles together and I think she ’ s even been invited to go and have a coffee with some of the locksmiths !
Another new addition to the team this year is Chris , our new Subscriptions Manager who ’ s been working really hard in making sure our magazines are getting to the right people . Since starting at The Locksmith Journal , he ’ s brought us bang into the 21st century making online subscription a reality and putting together lots of special offers for new sign ups , referral rewards and exclusive discounts for readers ( more of that to come next year ) and you can find out more about these by following his Instagram account @ chris _ thelocksmithjournal . Thanks Chris !
And , of course there ’ s our own Instagram which has been growing and growing this year – a great way to keep in touch between our monthly magazines and for us to hunt out potential interviewees for future features . We love it when you tag us reading your copy of The Locksmith Journal too , so please keep doing that , and if you don ’ t already follow us , head to @ thelocksmithjournal .
All that ’ s left to say is Merry Christmas to all our readers , contributors , and customers , and a very Happy New Year from all the team ‘ old ’ and new …
We ’ ll see you in 2025 , but will we see you in the magazine too ? I ho ho hope so !
Gemma
Who do you know ? It ’ s all about connections
» IT ’ S FUNNY HOW ONE CONNECTION KNOWS another … I had the pleasure of interviewing John Le-Surf of JLS Locksmith , who trained with Danny Gardiner at South UK Locksmith Training . And guess what ? Natasha from APECS , whom Scott Ward of East Cleveland Lock & Key mentioned , also came up in my interview with Danny . The locksmithing industry is such a small and close knit community ! Everyone knows someone who is happy to assist in a crisis , such as when Tom Haigh from Top Lock was called upon to save Christmas by TLJ ’ s very own Rob Exley .
We ’ ve covered some interesting transitions from various industries , including oil and jewellery , into locksmithing . Others have taken more similar paths , moving from roles like warrant officer to locksmith ; like from ‘ villain ’ to hero .
I ’ m excited to report that there ’ s possibly the first MLA baby and future locksmith due to arrive soon ! Natasha Pugh , Sales Director of APECS , is expecting next month and will be going on maternity leave in January . Before she goes , she ’ s updated us on what a great year it ’ s been for APECS , with successful launches of the AP 3-star modular cylinder training courses and matte black AP Euros , as well as the first MLA Open Day ! Catch-up with Natasha before she goes off on maternity and yes , she ’ ll be back for the MLA show in October 2025 , in her words “ it simply cannot be missed ”.
We ’ ve an interview list ( of potential locksmith interviewees ) possibly as long as Santa ’ s nice list , so I ’ ll be looking forward to working my way through those in the new year . If you ’ d like to be part of it , get in-touch ! Taking part is free-of-charge and in doing so you ’ re helping others and promoting what you do ! Tell us what ’ s new in your business , who are your favourite people and products ? What advice do you have for new budding locksmiths ? Tell us your new year ’ s resolutions !
As 2024 ends , I want to thank everyone who participated in interviews and wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a successful new year . Here ’ s to 2025 !
Get in touch with Wendy at wendy @ cvgroup . co . uk
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DECEMBER 2024
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