From the Editor
Opportunity Knocks as We Step Into Spring
March always seems to bring a bit of a lift. The days are getting longer, there’ s a touch more brightness about, and it feels like a good time to look ahead with a bit of energy. Opportunity knocks as we step into spring, and it also makes it the perfect moment to dive into a new issue of The Locksmith Journal and see what’ s coming up across the trade.
» TWO FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE STOOD OUT TO ME straight away, as I looked through our final draft this month …
First, Door Closers & Controls. It’ s one of those areas that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting in our industry without always getting the spotlight. I’ ve always liked the idea that when one door closes, another opens. Joking aside, it’ s an important topic. The reliability and accuracy of door control systems really matter, whether it’ s for safety, compliance, or just making sure things work as they should day to day.
Then there’ s Maintenance & Repair, which is a personal favourite. I’ ve always leaned towards the make do and mend approach. There’ s something genuinely satisfying about fixing, adjusting, and giving something a longer life rather than replacing it outright. It’ s a skillset that deserves recognition, and this feature does exactly that by highlighting the value of keeping things working properly.
There’ s also something new to look forward to. We’ re really pleased to be teaming up with Ultion and their demo van, Ellie. Over the coming months, we’ ll be out and about together, visiting trade counters and bringing products directly to you. It should be a great way to catch up, share ideas, and get hands-on with what’ s new. There will be a few opportunities tied into this as well, so it’ s well worth keeping an eye out.
Thanks, as always, for being part of the community. Enjoy the issue, and here’ s to a positive and productive month ahead.
See you next month, Gemma
WORKING SMART & GETTING PAID FOR THE JOB
» IF THERE’ S ONE THEME RUNNING THROUGH THIS issue, it’ s that working smarter can make a real difference to a locksmith’ s bottom line. One feature I think many readers will want to jump straight into comes from MultiPoint Locks …
Their message is simple: repairing rather than replacing is where locksmiths can protect their margins. Across the UK, thousands of uPVC and composite doors are now reaching the age where mechanisms start to fail. Locksmiths who understand the components inside multipoint locks, and have the right tools to repair them, can complete jobs faster, keep more work in-house and ultimately improve profitability. MPL’ s training centre in Wakefield is focused on exactly that.
Staying in West Yorkshire, we also meet Jason Layne, who has recently launched his locksmith business with Lockfit. After more than 30 years in finance, Jason decided it was time for a new challenge. What started as a hobby picking padlocks quickly turned into a full-time career and it’ s proof again that curiosity leads people into this trade.
Meanwhile in Hull and Grimsby, auto locksmith Sam Kavanagh of Unlock Auto Locksmith found himself in the national news( BBC) after a late-night job turned into a dispute over payment. Sam’ s story sparked a wider conversation about something many sole traders will recognise: what happens when a customer refuses to pay after you’ ve done the job. His account is honest, frustrating and ultimately a reminder that skill and experience are what customers are paying for, even if the job only takes ten minutes once you arrive.
Another story takes us to Gloucester, where Hazel Oakley of Gloucester Locksmiths was named Female Locksmith of the Year at The Locksmith Awards 2025. Hazel works‘ behind the scenes’ in the workshop building cylinders and assembling master key systems- a reminder that locksmithing isn’ t just about emergency call-outs.
Further south in Essex, we meet best friends George Webb and Sunny Fallows, the team behind Essex Locks & Glazing. Their story starts with a bit of luck, with a Premium Bonds win, but what followed was years of steady growth built around repair work, solid values and the kind of partnership that only comes from knowing someone since college.
Altogether, it’ s another issue full of stories that show just how varied this trade can be, from workshop benches to roadside call-outs and everywhere in between. You’ re all truly amazing! So, wherever you’ re reading this, enjoy! Fancy taking part and featuring in our next issue? Get in-touch wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk
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MARCH 2026
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