From the Editor
School’ s IN for Summer
While the school bell may have rung for the last time this term and some settle into the slower pace of the summer holidays, here at The Locksmith Journal, we know that for our readers, the learning never really stops …
» WHETHER YOU’ RE A LONE LOCKSMITH, A FAMILY business, a franchisee or part of a corporate company; keeping up to date with the ever-evolving demands of the locksmithing trade is key to staying ahead.
Just like every other month, July’ s issue is packed with the latest updates on products, tools, legislation, regulations, testing and certification; everything a modern locksmith needs to stay informed and compliant. The industry doesn’ t pause just because the weather warms up, and neither do we. We’ ve got insights from the frontline, case studies from real-life locksmiths, and expert commentary from across the sector, offering a valuable glimpse into the day-to-day experiences and challenges faced by professionals like you.
Wendy’ s been busy as always – interviewing locksmiths from all over the UK and beyond, learning more about what you do, the challenges you face and how your backgrounds( there’ s so many different routes into locksmithing!) shape your business.
And with several important events, shows, and expos just around the corner— not to mention a whole host of training opportunities— now’ s the time to look ahead and get those CPD hours logged. Whether you’ re brushing up on the latest in smart security systems, revisiting mechanical locking mechanisms, or exploring new access control solutions, there’ s no shortage of knowledge out there waiting to be unlocked.
This month, more than ever, we’ re also focusing on the importance of ongoing professional development. As the saying goes, you never stop learning, and in a sector as fast-moving and diverse as ours, that couldn’ t be more true. Training isn’ t just about ticking boxes; it’ s about confidence, capability, and credibility. Whether you’ re new to the trade or a seasoned professional, there’ s always something new to discover …
See you next week, Gemma
RIDING THE WINDS OF CHANGE
» BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, I’ LL PROBABLY BE getting ready to interview the next wave of locksmiths, as far as Florida and Australia, it doesn’ t get much more exciting that that!
In this month’ s issue, we’ ve gone from Scotland to the sandy shores of Devon to find true stories of resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected turns that lead people into this brilliant trade. First up, I caught up with Casey Metcalfe of Lockfit Torquay, whose story took us far beyond Torbay. Before picking locks, she was riding the wild winds around the world with her husband Scott, running a kite surfing school in Peru and backpacking through Sri Lanka and beyond. Now firmly planted in Devon, she swopped surfboards for lock picks.
From windswept beaches to the buzz of Brixton, Alan Sharpe, founder of London Locksmiths Ltd, talked to me about the early days of learning the trade during the Brixton riots and his mentor Terry Evans, who gave him his first chance. Alan’ s on a mission to protect the integrity of the industry with his strong stance against the dodgy £ 49 locksmiths.
Meanwhile in Edinburgh, I spoke to Kenny Grant and Liz Dawson of KG Key Services, whose business was never part of a grand plan. It grew from a life-changing car crash, a broken ankle, and a knack for solving problems. Kenny’ s story is one of quiet strength: from a broken neck to becoming a respected name in auto locksmithing.
Speaking of second chances, Darren Byrne, AKA The Coventry Locksmith, gave me insight into his third career, after the Armed Forces and 26 years in the police. Now a self-employed locksmith he’ s loving the freedom it brings.
Over in Kent, Ross and Ghislane Hames shared the inspiring story behind Hames & Son Locksmiths. When Ross was made redundant shortly after their son was born, the couple hit the ground running- armed with a buggy full of leaflets and an open mind. Now, they’ re navigating everything from AI to SEO as a modern family business with old-school values.
And finally, it was great to catch-up with Stephen Underwood of Abbeygate Locksmiths, with 52 years in the trade and an infectious laugh, Stephen told me how he turned his childhood curiosity( and mischief) into a lifelong craft. His motto?“ Say yes to every job.” His business is built on reputation, versatility, and effective training in the brainwashing room!
A great collection of lives reshaped by fiddly tools, ungodly hour calls, and leaps of faith. So, wherever you are- picking locks in the sunshine, sat in your van, or wrestling with a safe- I hope you see a bit of your own story in these pages, and get in-touch with me to book your interview! Contact: wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk.
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JULY 2025
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