From the Editor
Sitting down to write this intro, I can’ t believe we’ re on November issue already, magazine 11 of 2025, the penultimate publication of the year. Yet, while the year may be coming to an end, there’ s no signs of slowing down; in fact this is our biggest magazine of the year, which – in no small part – is due to the success of October’ s MLA Expo, and our subsequent review feature.
» IT’ S NO SURPRISE THAT THE REVIEW IS PACKED with content, as I think this year’ s was the best show I’ ve been to, in terms of atmosphere and feedback – both while there and after the event. And, while it may be my‘ job’ to be there, our work is made so much easier when the event is going well – for all involved. Well done to the organisers and exhibitors; many of whom you’ ll hear from across the pages of the magazine.
That may be it for two years, but we know that the industry doesn’ t stand still in between shows – it’ s straight onto the next call, the next job, the next big project. That’ s where The Locksmith Journal comes in. From the biggest brands to the‘ one man bands’, we’ re here month in and month out, and like to think of ourselves as an expo you can hold in your hands, the pages are the stands.
As you‘ walk through’ you can see the products on offer, guides on how to use them, hints and tips, dos and don’ ts. You can hear from companies that are local to you, from the other side of the UK or even another country … meet the people behind the products from the designers and developers to the installers and inspectors.
Training is such a large part of locksmith and security shows, and we take that very seriously too; helping to signpost new courses, training opportunities and qualifications. Of course, we even have our own version of The Garage too – just for auto locksmiths and this month just so happens to be Auto Extra for even more coverage.
November also marks the end of Autumn, Winter is coming. And we know that in locksmithing and security, this season brings a whole host of new challenges along with the cold, wet weather, shorter days and darker nights. Keeping criminals at bay and people, property and possessions safe doesn’ t break for Christmas, in fact it becomes even more important – so this issue features some winter-specific advice and information too.
See you next time, Gemma
CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE LOCKS
» THIS INDUSTRY IS TRULY SPECIAL. EVERY MONTH, I get to chat with the most interesting characters with stories more varied than the locks they open; driven by hard work, resilience, and the desire to build something lasting …
We start in Stockport, where Anthony Lomax is celebrating 25 years of APL Locksmiths. What began with just a van and the support of his mum has grown into a well-established team serving homes, businesses, and even universities. His journey from joinery to locksmithing is a wonderful example of how family ties, a willingness to learn, and take risks has turned a dream into a career. Heading over to South Wales, Nick Durn of City Locksmiths Gwent Ltd shares how he traded printing presses for pin tumblers, and hasn’ t looked back since! After three decades in newspaper production, Nick channelled his energy into locksmithing and quickly became one of the most respected names in the area. Known for his marketing savvy and relentless work ethic, he’ s now the proud holder of multiple regional awards.
Then there’ s a story that begins in a garden shed. That’ s where Marc Narbeth, now CEO of Fast Key Services Ltd, first started helping his mum with a family key-cutting business. Today, that same company is one of the UK’ s leading suppliers of office and locker keys, shipping thousands of orders every week. Marc tells us how he’ s steering the company into the digital age, combining family values with forward-thinking.
In the Midlands, Malcolm Green of The Lock Doctor shows us that craftsmanship never goes out of style! His background in carpentry and joinery gave him a natural eye for detail. Known for his kind and thoughtful nature, especially when helping elderly customers, Malcolm’ s professionalism has built him a loyal customer base and a thriving reputation.
Finally, we catch-up with Jim Eaton of Eaton Locksmiths, Northwich, now just over a full year in business. After long careers in both the Army and the Police, an unexpected accident pushed Jim to take the leap into self-employment. His story is one of adaptability, purpose, and reinvention, Jim enjoys the satisfaction of helping people every day.
Who knows where the next journey will take us? If you’ ve got a story worth sharing- about your path, your business, or tips for the trade- I’ d love to hear from you. Drop me a message at wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk...
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NOVEMBER 2025
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