From the Editor
Get involved – in more ways than one …
Whether you’ re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, we aim to pack every issue of The Locksmith Journal with valuable insights, tips, and resources to help you thrive in business and in the craft.
» TRAINING IS THE CORNERSTONE OF BECOMING A master locksmith; we never stop learning, evolving and maturing. But we believe that this is not just about practical skills – it’ s about connecting, growing, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends. That’ s why we’ re also showcasing upcoming industry events that are a must-attend for anyone looking to network, collaborate, and explore new innovations in the locksmithing world. From workshops to conventions, these gatherings are an excellent way to learn from industry leaders, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful relationships.
Listening to different stories, experiences, and opinions is key to improving ourselves and the industry as a whole. This exchange of ideas encourages innovation and fosters an environment where everyone can grow. The diversity of perspectives in this field enriches our work, making us better equipped to face new challenges and provide superior service to our clients.
Last but by no means least, this month we feature multiple organisations and associations that are helping to support locksmiths and autolocksmiths. These groups provide a wealth of resources, from certifications and best practices to advocacy – being your voice and connecting the individual with the larger business, the local with the international and the independent with the corporate.
Oh and one more thing, inside our own team, I’ d like to thank Chris and Wendy once again for being the glue that ties all these stories together. Chris has been out on the road taking part in training sessions to dive deeper into the world of locksmithing, get a better understanding on what you do every day and report back to our readers on how to gain more skills in the sector – where to go, who to see and what to do.
Wendy has been talking to locksmiths all over the world this month, and put together another brilliant set of articles that focus on the real life of everyday locksmiths – one of whom says the first thing he does when he gets the magazine is turn to these pages to see who’ s in! Do you do that too? Well it could be you, if you get in touch with me – Gemma @ cvgroup. co. uk or Wendy – wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk
See you next time, Gemma
TURNING PASSIONS INTO WORK
All our locksmiths this month have something in common: they’ ve built their businesses around their lifestyles and interests. The saying‘ build a business around a hobby and you’ ll never work a day in your life’ is true. One of the benefits of being self-employed is being able to work wherever you want, but locations bring their own challenges, whether you’ re working in busy cities like London or Bristol, or close-knit communities in South Wales.
» THIS MONTH WE WERE INSPIRED BY CRAIG ANDRES who started learning about the trade at age 14. From locksmith to entrepreneur, Craig told us how being able to make bold and brave decisions quickly has been paramount to his success with AA Lock and Key, Bristol. Craig has taken his entrepreneurial spirit to new heights with his latest venture‘ The Perspicacity Life’.
I found out that Locksport is more than just a hobby when I spoke to Lady Locks, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. She’ s a YouTube sensation in the world of Locksport, who picks locks just for fun and stress relief. Proven that it’ s possible to have nice nails and amazing lockpicking skills, Lady Locks is a brand ambassador for Covert Instruments, a member of the CI Round table and is proudly working towards her 10th Lock Pickers United Black Belt high security lock.
Cameron Goodge of Lockstrong Locksmiths told us that everything about locksmithing is‘ tidy’ and that he really loves the trade. Above all, it’ s great working in Monmouthshire where there’ s rolling hills, fresh air and breathtaking scenery; there’ s always plenty to do! Word of mouth and reputation is paramount in the Welsh towns. What’ s locksmithing life like in London? Matthew Stylianou of ALE Locksmiths told us all about how he navigates parking and traffic issues, while balancing fair pricing and making a profit.
Tell us your story! Want to be part of the next edition? Let us interview you! It’ s totally free of charge. Why not join our group on LinkedIn: The Locksmith Community UK? We look forward to seeing you there or in the next edition of TLJ.
Get in touch with Gemma @ cvgroup. co. uk or Wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk
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FEBRUARY 2025
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