From the Editor
A Strong September for The Locksmith Journal
September brings two exciting standalone supplements, one milestone birthday( yes, mine!), and one very busy issue of The Locksmith Journal …
» SEPTEMBER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PIVOTAL month in publishing. It marks the shift back into full swing after the summer break and often sets the pace for the remainder of the year. This time around, it also marks a personal milestone for me, as I hit the big 4-0.
Naturally, turning 40 comes with a touch of reflection – and, I’ ll admit, a quick scroll through supplements that promise more energy, better focus, and eternal youth. Ironically enough, this month’ s edition of The Locksmith Journal features a couple of supplements of its own – though not quite the vitaminpacked kind.
For the first time ever, we’ ve created two standalone supplements for the Master Locksmiths Association. One is dedicated to the highly anticipated MLA Expo, and the other shines a spotlight on The Garage – the ever-popular auto locksmith area of the show. These pull-out publications are packed with insight, product previews, exhibitor highlights and everything visitors need to navigate this key event in the industry calendar.
But the MLA Expo isn’ t the only focus. This issue also offers a healthy mix of features, opinion pieces, case studies and product roundups – covering the latest trends and developments from across the locksmithing and security landscape. Whether you’ re a general locksmith, an auto specialist, or a security professional with an eye on future tech, there’ s something here for you.
So while I may be reassessing my own approach to staying youthful, The Locksmith Journal is feeling stronger than ever – full of relevant, timely, and practical content to keep you informed and inspired.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at the show, and see you all next time, Gemma
QUITE FRANKLY, YOU’ RE AMAZING
» THE BEST PART OF PUTTING THIS MAGAZINE together is the people. Honestly, I think locksmiths are some of the most interesting characters you could ever hope to meet. No two stories are alike, and every month I find myself amazed all over again. Whether it’ s a career change, a frustrating experience with a locksmith after getting locked-out, or escaping a bad boss, the journeys into this trade never fail to surprise me.
Take Jeremy Davis, his story began not with a career plan, but with a very bad day- locked out of his own house, left waiting for a no-show locksmith, and finally dealing with an idiot. For Jeremy, that frustration turned into inspiration. Nearly 25 years later, Amber Locks is a name trusted across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. According to Jeremy, success boils down to following three simple rules …
Then there’ s Steve Leighton up in Lancaster, whose early career was spent high above the ground as a BT engineer, climbing telegraph poles and handling specialist jobs. Yet, spending his whole life in the corporate rat race wasn’ t for him. Today, running Lockfit Lancaster, he enjoys the flexibility that self-employment brings.
In Somerset, I met Simon Pilling, an auto locksmith and innovator who began his career at Vauxhall. Now supporting the ALA and launching his time-saving invention at The Garage training during The MLA Expo. Simon shares his tips for keeping up with an increasingly electronic industry, and why for him it’ s about more than a job- it’ s shaping the future of auto locksmithing.
Then there’ s Jamie Kettyles in Stirling who we last featured a year ago. Since then, AL Security & Locksmith Training Scotland has been received lots of award nominations, from Locksmith of the Year to Training Initiative of the Year. Jamie is not just building his own business but training new locksmiths and councils to raise standards across the board.
Finally, in Leeds, there’ s Paul Stevens of Help Locks. If you’ d told him 20 years ago, he’ d be running a thriving security company, with a shop, an online business, franchise opportunities and even TV appearances, he’ d have laughed you out of the room! Yet here he is, and what really stands out is how much he values the close relationships he’ s built along the way.
Wow! And just like that, another edition comes to a close. I can’ t wait to see what next month brings; what interesting characters will I meet next I wonder? They honestly never fail to amaze me. I’ d love to hear from you too. Don’ t let the fun stop here: share your story at wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk
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SEPTEMBER 2025
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