From the Editor

( Because shorter weeks don’ t mean less work)

» WE ARE HEADING INTO MAY with not one, but two four-day weeks on the horizon. Sounds ideal, right? A little extra breathing space, shorter bursts of work, and the sense that there is more time to get things done. Then reality hits. Because when you have four magazines to produce, those shorter weeks do have a habit of feeling even shorter. The deadlines do not move, the pages do not fill themselves, and there is still just as much to get over the line. Much like life on the tools, there is no slowing down just because the week is shorter— the jobs keep coming, customers still need you, and you just get on with it.

At Clearview Group, that means keeping all four titles— Clearview, Pro Installer, The Locksmith Journal and DIJ— moving at pace. Each one has its own audience and its own focus, and somehow they all need to slot neatly into the same schedule. It is a rhythm we have grown used to, even if some weeks require a little more juggling than others. Stories from the Front Line In this issue of The Locksmith Journal, we are putting the spotlight on the stories that really reflect the trade. You will find a strong focus on customer success stories, celebrating the real-world work being carried out day in, day out by locksmiths across the industry.

We are also marking some major industry milestones, recognising the progress and achievements that continue to shape the sector. Auto Extra Returns And alongside all of that, we are pleased to bring you the first Auto Extra of the year— dedicated to auto locksmiths and those working in van and vehicle security. It is a fast-moving area of the market and one that continues to grow in importance.

So yes, the weeks ahead may be shorter, but they are certainly not quieter. Still, with a bit of focus( and maybe a strong coffee or two), it is amazing what can be achieved in four days.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

See you next month, Gemma

Hello Spring! There’ s something about this time of year that brings a fresh sense of energy, and it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on where the trade’ s been, and where it’ s heading next … This issue captures a bit of both, with features that centre on how the trade has evolved- not just in tools and technology, but in the people and ideas driving it forward.

» LEADING THE WAY IN OUR AUTO EXTRA FEATURE, marking 30 years of the Auto Locksmiths Association. As this issue goes to print, auto locksmiths from across the UK( and beyond) will be heading to Nottingham for the anniversary meet-up, bringing things full circle near to where it all began back in 1996. We caught up with Paul Souber, the Founder of ALA, to find out how a single gathering of like-minded specialists grew into something far bigger, and the story of its formation is one that many in the trade may not fully know.

What stands out is just how fragmented the auto locksmithing trade once was; no structure, no shared learning, no real voice. Fast forward to today, and the ALA has not only united specialists but helped futureproof the sector against the rapid evolution of vehicle security. It’ s a story of persistence, collaboration, and a few familiar names who many of you will recognise.

We also head into the world of van security with a story that begins with a bad experience. From a driveway build to a patented, high-security solution, Graham Mundy’ s journey challenges the way many locksmiths think about protecting their own vans. It’ s a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come not from following the norm, but from questioning it entirely.

Then there’ s the story of reinvention- interviewing Matthew Arthur of Secure Choice, whose journey into locksmithing started with something as simple as locking himself out during the uncertainty of Covid. From telecoms to tools, his story reflects what we hear time and again- this trade has a way of finding people when they least expect it. What’ s interesting here is not just the transition, but investment into a reputable locksmith franchise, and building a multifaceted locksmithing business.

As always, enjoy the read and, if you’ ve got a story to tell, you know where I am. Get in-touch with wendy @ cvgroup. co. uk