Notice Board
and it always seems that when you finally decide to take a day off, that’ s when the phone rings.
You have to make time for downtime, otherwise the job takes over. That balance is something I’ m still working on. Another adjustment has been working alone. I went from being part of teams to being by myself most days. It can feel lonely at times, and it definitely takes getting used to.
The Satisfaction of Doing It Right
What I really love is the satisfaction. When you get something working properly again, or you manage a lockout using non-destructive entry, it’ s a great feeling.
Lockouts are a big part of what I do, and I take pride in resolving them cleanly. Anyone can drill a lock, but knowing when you don’ t need to makes all the difference for the customer. That’ s where locksmithing really clicked for me- it rewards patience, knowledge and technique.
Document Searches & Unusual Work
I also carry out document searches through GSC agency work, which can be very varied. These are usually properties where someone has passed away and solicitors need paperwork to move probate forward.
Often there are no keys, so nondestructive entry isn’ t relevant. You drill the locks, secure the property, and then start searching. Sometimes you find
documents in 15 minutes, other times it can take hours.
What’ s interesting is that you start to build a picture of the person who lived there. Their life, their habits, even their family history. I’ ve found documents in Rochester dating back to 1890.
You don’ t usually find out what happens in the end. Once the documents are handed over to the estate agent and solicitors, that’ s the last you hear. But it’ s good work, you’ re paid for access, lock changes and time spent searching. I feel like I’ m part of Hier Hunters!
Training & the Locksmith Community
I trained with the UK Locksmith Association in Essex, and I’ d recommend them. They have a good way of getting the information into your head, especially if you’ re coming from a related trade.
I’ ve also attended the MLA open day in Rugby and MLA Expo last year. It had a really friendly vibe. The seminars were useful, and it reinforced how strong the locksmithing community is when you engage with it.
I’ m also part of a few WhatsApp groups, including one through the Active Lock Centre. When you’ re working solo, being able to ask questions or share experiences is invaluable.
More information Killick Locksmiths is an independent Swanley-based business providing locksmith services to residential customers and the construction industry across Kent. Founded by Robin Killick, the company combines decades of experience in double glazing with a repair-focused locksmithing approach, specialising in lockouts, non-destructive entry, mechanism repairs and specialist agency work.
07971 965023 www. killicklocksmiths. co. uk killick @ email. com
Marketing, Social Media & Reality
I use Facebook and Instagram, and they’ ve brought in a bit of work, but I know I need to invest more time into them. I find that posting photos of jobs before and after works well. My website needs improving as well- making it more presentable and posting more regularly.
Photos can be tricky, especially on the double-glazing side. Customers can be funny about it, and some expect something in return for letting you use their job for marketing.
For now, my focus is on consistency rather than chasing scale.
Looking Ahead
In the future, I’ d like to get into auto locksmithing. I’ ve got my eye on a few courses and it’ s something I’ ll move into when the time is right.
For the time being, it’ s about steady growth, adding skills, and doing the job properly rather than trying to grow too fast.
FEBRUARY 2026
15
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk