From the Editor
AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR …
“ In life, when doors open, we have no idea of the path on the other side. It takes courage to step through a door.” I read this quote by chance the same week we finally got to announce something we’ ve been working on( behind closed doors for several months).
» YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY READ THAT WE HAVE taken on a new member of the Clearview Group – bringing our family of three; Clearview, Pro Installer and The Locksmith Journal, to a very fantastic four. We’ re thrilled to announce the acquisition of The Door Industry Journal, as Derek Hibbart heads to retirement.
This expansion marks an exciting step forward, not only for us, but for our readers and partners too. With it comes fresh perspectives, deeper industry coverage, and more ways to connect with the people who make this sector, and everything in it, so special.
And, isn’ t that what events are all about too? As the doors closed on this year’ s FIT Show( the fourth one I’ ve personally been to), it once again proved to be a hub of innovation, ideas, and energy. It’ s always fantastic to see the new products and services unveiled, many of which point toward a bright future for our industry. The conversations we had, on the stands, in the aisles, and over coffee,( okay beer) reminded us how much potential lies just beyond the next open door. Now eyes are fixed on the MLA in October …
But, as new doors open, we must also acknowledge those that have closed. The past year has brought its fair share of challenges; businesses restructuring, some sadly leaving the market, and others adapting to tighter conditions. But through every setback, this sector always shows resilience – and dare I say, courage. Time and again, the industry finds a way not just to survive, but to evolve, innovate, and support one another.
This month also marked one of our favourite traditions: our annual Golf Day. Guess what, this year is number four( or should that be‘ fore’?)! This event is about more than a great day out on the green( though it’ s that too!). It’ s a chance to bring our customers and friends together, catch up face-to-face, and raise vital funds for charity …
‘ Stepping through the door’ perfectly captures the spirit of where we are as a team and as a magazine group. Sometimes, the most exciting chapters begin with the simple act of saying‘ yes’ to something new.
See you next time, Gemma
OVERFLOWING WITH TALENT
» BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, I’ LL PROBABLY BE interviewing my next round of locksmiths and security professionals! In the UK and beyond … This month I’ ve been to Pennsylvania, North-East USA and Ghana, Western Africa interviewing from my home office in Wolverhampton, taking in the different culture and perspective on locks and security.
Back in 2012, a man named Sidiq Issah was just trying to get home from a shopping trip in Ghana when he lost his car key. He didn’ t know that calling a locksmith that day would change his life. When the locksmith didn’ t do a great job, Sidiq got curious. Fast-forward to today, and he’ s now the CEO of Key Security Solutions, one of the fastest-growing locksmith businesses in West Africa, with a third branch opening soon.
I love stories like this at TLJ, real people, unexpected paths, and a fair bit of stubborn determination!
I’ ve also been talking to a locksporter, Rob McCabe, in Pennsylvania this month, who picks locks from his truck. Yes, you heard right. If you’ re part of the locksport world on Instagram or YouTube, you’ ve probably seen Trucking Lock doing his thing from the front seat of his cab. Find out how one incident and pick set got him hooked on locks!
LockFest was back this May at Reading YMCA, and it didn’ t disappoint. Camping in glorious weather, with a roaring firepit and BBQ, plus a packed schedule of proper hands-on learning. From soldering masterclasses to oldschool safe lock cracking, locksmiths from all over the UK came together to share skills, stories, and sausages! In a trade that’ s getting more digital by the day, LockFest is a reminder that sometimes the best tools are still your hands and your head. Missed it? Don’ t worry, more workshops are in the pipeline. Keep your tools sharp and your tent handy.
Chris Hanson of SheffLOCK told us how he went from tackling burglaries as a police officer to founding one of South Yorkshire’ s most trusted home security firms, alongside his dad. Chris combines his real-life security experience with accredited products to bring real peace of mind his customers.
So, wherever you’ re doing in the locksmithing world, I hope you see a little bit of yourself in these stories. The Locksmith Journal isn’ t just a magazine dedicated to your industry; it’ s also a platform to tell your story, and you know where to find me to share yours: wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk. See you next issue, Wendy
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JUNE 2025
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