Notice Board and security without changing the look of the building.
Our latest service, panic rooms! It’ s a niche, but I’ ve had enquiries. If people are asking, then I want to be in a position to offer it. You never know what new market could become mainstream.
Why Partnerships Matter
Don’ t see every locksmith as a competitor. I work closely with people I knew from Smiths, and I even team up with local locksmiths on jobs. Sometimes you need another pair of hands, or you’ re dealing with a safe or a big commercial contract. There’ s more to gain from collaboration than isolation.
That same principle extends to other trades. Partnering with alarm companies, CCTV specialists, or builders can lead to opportunities. Customers want complete solutions. If you can’ t provide everything yourself, build a network where you can refer and be referred.
Technology & Smart Locks
The growth of smart locks is another opportunity. I’ ve fitted Ultion Smart and Tedee Pro, and there’ s definitely demand. But you need to stick with trusted brand, don’ t just fit the cheapest import. Customers need reliability, and if a product fails it reflects badly on you, not the manufacturer.
Technology is coming whether you like it or not. You don’ t have to be a tech wizard, but you do need to understand the basics and know which products you’ re happy to fit.
Advice for Locksmiths- New & Established
First, understand locks. If you don’ t know how a lock works, you’ ll never open it properly. Start with the MLA’ s basic courses and move up. Don’ t rush.
For those already in the trade, the focus should be on growth and adaptability. Keep an eye on what customers are asking for. When I noticed people looking for security film and high-security doors, I added them to my offering. When panic room enquiries came in, I started exploring them. The industry will never stop changing and neither should you.
Reputation is also important, with word of mouth, reviews and online presence mattering more than ever. We’ ve had our online shop running for a couple of years now, selling locks and hardware. It’ s an extra revenue stream and it helps with visibility. My plan is to grow that side further and update the website to focus more on high-security products.
The Balance of Work and Life
After years of doing 24-hour callouts, I stopped five years ago. I was fed up dealing with drunks at 2am and struggling to get them to pay. Google ads for emergency work got too expensive as well. At a certain point, you realise it’ s not worth it, especially as you get older. You’ ve got to protect your time and your wellbeing as much as your customers’ homes.
Looking Ahead & Final Word
My immediate focus is on increasing our online presence, growing commercial work, and expanding complementary services. I’ m also looking forward to the MLA Expo in October- it’ s where you see what’ s coming, pick up training, and connect with others in the trade. No matter how long you’ ve been in this job, there’ s always something new to learn.
My philosophy is: I still love meeting people, helping them solve problems, and making their homes more secure. That hasn’ t changed since the day I started. But today, being a locksmith isn’ t enough on its own. You’ ve got to be adaptable, build partnerships, and think beyond locks. That’ s where I believe the future of our trade lies.
Thames Valley Lock & Safe Witney, Oxfordshire 01993 402 120 d. hill @ thamesvalleylockandsafe. co. uk www. thamesvalleylockandsafe. co. uk
DECEMBER 2025
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