From the Editor
The gift that keeps giving
» AS WE WRAP UP ON ANOTHER YEAR of The Locksmith Journal , and look back at 12 months in our sector , at Clearview HQ , we have the usual mixed feelings of a ) we can ’ t believe it ’ s December already and b ) so grateful for everything we ’ ve done this year . On a personal note , when it comes to industry expos and customer events , I think this has been the best year yet since I joined the Group around six years ago – and while we ’ re all looking forward to a well-earned Christmas break , it ’ s hard not to start getting excited for 2024 too …
The biggest change here was of course going from six to 12 issues a year ! And since July , we have published one magazine a month , which has been so exciting . We also launched our Instagram page , so keep an eye on that for more news and articles from the archives in the coming months .
As always , the MLA Expo was a major highlight . The atmosphere was as electric as I ’ ve ever seen , brilliantly organised , very well attended , thoughtprovoking discussions and a true showcase of what our industry has to offer in terms of its products and people . The matter of innovation – and not just in products – has been a recurring theme throughout 2023 , and I think the MLA really proved the point that new ways of thinking , connectivity , pushing boundaries and not ‘ taking chances ’ but creating your own opportunities is the key to success in this sector , so well done to all involved .
And , in the fenestration sector , we celebrated 10 years of FIT Show and five years of Glazing Summit – these two events had highlight written all over them from the very beginning , and certainly did not disappoint . At Clearview Group , we have a foot in both camps – locksmithing and fenestration – and it ’ s a pleasure and a privilege to be at the forefront of the crossover between hardware , safety and security . And , being able to touch every part of the supply chain from those making legislation and regulation , to the innovators and inventors , suppliers , fabricators and of course , fitters .
But now we look forward to another year and everything it has it store , with a sincere thanks to all our customers , contributors and readers . We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year …
See you in 2024 , Gemma
Do you have a smart perspective ?
» THIS MONTH I HAD THE PLEASURE OF speaking to Theresa and Denise – also known as MissPicks Locksmiths . As you ’ ll see , their story is remarkable . In a way , it could make for an interesting docuseries … from their days in the army to being international bodyguards for royalty and the rich and famous ; to uncovering the harsh , violent reality of what it means to be a warrant officer , and finally on to a wholesome conclusion , locksmithing in Oswestry . I really hope you enjoy their story just as much as I enjoyed talking to them .
Furthermore , I ’ ve been digging into electronic locks and the rise of smart locks . Specifically , why the resistance is so prevalent across the industry . I know that locksmithing has always been quite a ‘ traditional sector ’ – for want of a better phrase . I believe it is one of its charms . But , after an MLA show filled with technology , access control and smart solutions , I wondered how our sector could start to embrace ( at a greater speed ) such a phenomenon . This pondering led me to David O ’ Toole , President of the European Locksmith Federation , and a leader in the sector for many years .
David has not only created a new , patented touch-free access technology , but he is overtly passionate about the industry embracing smart solutions . His words are enlightening and really highlight an imminent threat to the locksmithing industry overall . This would appear dramatic and a tad doom and gloom – perhaps it is , perhaps it isn ’ t . The outcome of David ’ s advice though , is that there is so much opportunity for business transformation .
If you ’ d like to speak to me about what your business , or if you have an alternative perspective on smart solutions in today ’ s market , I ’ d love to hear from you . Get in touch by emailing gemma @ cvgroup . co . uk or myself on amy @ cvgroup . co . uk
4
DECEMBER 2023
locksmithjournal . co . uk