From the Editor
LOCKING INTO WINTER …
As the evenings draw in and we all start reaching for the thermostat, there’ s a familiar feeling in the air, the industry, like the seasons, is shifting. Winter always brings its share of practical challenges, but this year, there’ s a sense that something bigger is stirring.
» NATIONAL HOME SECURITY MONTH MAY BE wrapping up, but for locksmiths( also‘ wrapping up’ as temperatures drop), the busy season is only just getting started. As the darker nights roll in and temperatures drop, we all know this time of year brings a fresh wave of challenges – and opportunities – when it comes to keeping our – and your – customers safe, secure, and supported.
Many of us have just returned from a packed and productive few days at the MLA Expo. Whether it was your first time or your fifteenth, there’ s no denying the buzz and value of getting the industry together under one roof. From major manufacturers and trade associations to independent locksmiths and installers, events like this are where ideas spark, relationships form, and the future of our trade takes shape. The show – and associated – also provide vital training opportunities; keeping us up to date, helping us develop personally and professionally.
We’ ll be taking a closer look at the expo in upcoming issues – bringing you reviews, highlights, and expert insights to make sure you didn’ t miss a thing. But for now, we’ re diving into the key themes that will help you finish the year strong: adapting for winter, strengthening customer relationships, and staying ahead in a market that never stands still.
And finally – one of the real highlights of events like the MLA Expo is getting to meet locksmiths face to face, many of whom we’ ve featured( or will soon feature!) in our pages. Our reader interviews continue to be one of the most popular parts of the magazine – and our waiting list is growing. But don’ t let that put you off – there’ s always room for more. If you’ ve got a story to share, an experience worth telling, or just fancy being part of the conversation, we’ d love to hear from you.
See you next time, Gemma
From Poodles to Postmen, Spreadsheets to Spider Networks, & Superman Moments
» THE BEST PART OF PUTTING THIS MAGAZINE together? The people, hands down. Some locksmiths come from a family tradition, others discover it through a lockpicking hobby, while for some it’ s a drive to help people, or simply a first-job opportunity that sticks with them for life. Locksmiths really are some of the most fascinating, hardworking, and humble characters you’ ll ever meet, and this issue is( yet again) packed with personalities.
Spotted in my street, Jen McKeown of Locksmiths Jen! Before she became a locksmith, she was trimming poodles! Helping her dad out with his locksmith franchise changed everything. Today, she’ s one of Shropshire’ s most trusted locksmiths, known for her calm, capable approach and genuine care for customers. Her love for dogs continues, with pooches of her own and, yes, they sometimes come out with her on jobs!
Then there’ s Kevin Carloni, founder of Fort Locks in Hertfordshire and London. With over 30 years’ experience, Kevin has built a business the old-fashioned way, through honesty, hard work, and real relationships. Forget algorithms; his success comes from what he calls his network of‘ spiders’ which are loyal clients and professionals who’ ve carried his name and reputation further than any SEO campaign could. In Essex, Steve Fairfax swapped financial forecasts for front doors. Once a financial adviser, Steve now runs Fairfax Locksmiths across Upminster and Hornchurch. He says nothing compares to the feeling of opening a door for a stranded customer, describing it as his own“ Superman moment”.
In Lincolnshire, Kyle from Entry Solutions Locksmiths traded his Royal Mail rounds for warrant rounds. What began as a lockpicking hobby in his spare time grew into a nationwide locksmith and security business. Determined, focused, and down-to-earth, Kyle’ s story is one to watch, and he’ s looking to expand his network.
And finally, we head to Kent, where Tom Whatley of HBL Security Solutions turned a father-and-son Saturday job into one of the county’ s leading locksmith businesses. Nearly 20 years on, HBL has grown into a thriving team of five with a shopfront in Swalecliffe, proof that passion and family values never go out of style.
What a lineup; I can’ t wait to see who I’ ll interview next month. Get in-touch with wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk to tell me your story …
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OCTOBER 2025
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