From the Editor
May your days be merry and bright
You may be forgiven for thinking you’ ve picked up December’ s issue by accident, when you read the‘ festive’ headline, but rest assured it’ s not quite Christmas yet( there’ s still more than 200 days to go – so don’ t worry). But, May has been so bright that it’ s definitely put a spring in our step here at The Locksmith Journal HQ.
» SOMETHING THAT ALWAYS BRIGHTENS OUR DAY here is hearing about what’ s on the horizon for our industry; the people and products within it. Whether its innovation in products, new starters to the sector, fresh ways of thinking about processes, training and development – the future really is bright. There’ s exciting things here happening for us too and we can’ t wait to share them with you in the coming weeks – online and in print – across all of our magazines.
Sharing information is, of course, what we’ re all about. As publishers, it’ s important understand both the history and heritage of locksmithing and what’ s coming next; how the two timelines are linked too. It’ s a privilege to report on all aspects of the industry and what’ s happening in it. As readers, we love it when you share your stories with us too – and each other. Wendy has been doing a fantastic job with her real life interviews; initially from up and down the UK, and now across the world. Chris has also been out and about, and you’ ve been sharing your skills with him – at shows and training events. We’ re always open to more of these, so please get in touch with us.
Thinking about all of the above, we think the issue you hold in your hands right now is a really good example of everything I’ ve mentioned. Brand new products; design and development that shows how much our industry has progressed, from the very first lock to the latest smart device. Products that span from timber to uPVC to aluminium, the domestic and commercial setting, training for new starters and locksmiths with decades of experience.
See you next time, with more news past, present and future, Gemma
SORRY FOLKS … WE CAN’ T COMPLAIN TOO MUCH ABOUT THE WEATHER
» IN THE UK, IT’ S ALMOST TRADITION TO GRUMBLE about the weather- it’ s too hot, too cold, too wet. While last year the winter was mild, the rain barely let up, and many of us are left wondering whether summer even happened! At the time of writing this, we’ ve got glorious sunshine here in Wolverhampton, let’ s hope it lasts. But, I’ m not complaining …
The UK climate very rarely stops us working, that’ s in stark contrast to the locksmith I interviewed this month in Western Canada, where high crime rates and extreme weather go hand-in-hand. Saskatchewan endures brutally cold winters with snow, high winds, blizzards, and January highs around-25 ° C.
This month, we’ ve got an exciting collection of real-life stories from the locksmithing world. We caught up with: Charlie Church of East Kent Locksmiths, who shared how he found his calling in the trade. He’ s now joined forces with his father, Chris, and the duo has big plans for the future, including a funny tale about a cat locked in a bathroom. Sometimes, it’ s the little moments that make the day.
Brian Burr of Taurus Locksmiths, a seasoned pro and proud Taurean( hence the business name). With 16 years in the trade and a lifetime of hands-on graft, Brian celebrates his 60th birthday this month. He shares his journey into locksmithing, how he kept start-up costs low, and why his customers affectionately call him Mr. Burrlocks.
Collin Goertzen of Expert Locksmiths in Saskatchewan, Canada, who offers a unique overseas perspective. With extreme weather and rising crime rates, being a locksmith there brings a whole different set of challenges, like frozen locks and doorknobs.
Eric Collins of Jackloc in the East Midlands, a passionate health and safety advocate. Eric’ s mission is to save lives, one window at a time. Find out why he acquired the original cable window restrictor business, and how locksmiths can boost their services( and sales) by offering Jackloc products as part of their security solutions.
Would you like to feature in the next edition of TLJ? Get in touch at wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk. The Locksmith Community on LinkedIn is growing fast- connect with us to find out who we’ ve been talking to. It could be you next.
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MAY 2025
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