From the Editor
The year of the locksmith
» WELCOME TO THE VERY FIRST issue of The Locksmith Journal 2024 . And , while January may be the first month of the year , there ’ s something fresh about February . There are green shoots starting to sprout , new life springing up and slightly lighter mornings and brighter evenings – a promising sign of things to come . February also marks Chinese New Year and 2024 is the year of the dragon ; ambitious , adventurous , powerful and passionate , do any of these traits sound familiar ?
Last summer , we made the decision to start publishing monthly magazines instead of bi-monthly because there is so much happening in our industry that we couldn ’ t wait eight weeks between issues . But on top of all the industry news , training and products , there was still one thing missing – you ! We wanted more real locksmiths in our magazine , we wanted to make it your magazine . Over the past year , we put the call out for everyday people that make locksmithing the unique and special sector that it is , and now we can share those stories back with you too .
We want to keep making this magazine bigger and better , and that means more real life stories , more locksmith hobbyists and more unusual ways you found yourself in this industry . Have you just started picking locks or are you about to retire after decades of service ? What ’ s the funniest call you ’ ve been on and what ’ s the weirdest thing you ’ ve found in a safe ? What do you wish you knew 25 years ago and what questions have you always been afraid to ask ? Do you always see new locksmiths making the same mistakes and know just the trick to help them out ? Last , but not least do you have any interesting hobbies to keep you busy on your day (‘ what day off ?’ I hear you cry !)
Let ’ s turn 2024 in ‘ The year of the locksmith ’, with all the ambition , adventure , power and passion that drives our industry from intricate picking to innovative digital solutions , from one-person businesses to international companies , the trainers and the learners , the men and the women . And , remember we want locksmiths , not wordsmiths – you don ’ t have to write the article yourself , we will be in touch and do it for you !
See you next month ( but hopefully hear from you first ), Gemma
An exciting sector full of inspiring stories and people
» I AM EXCITED TO BE ON-BOARD WITH THE Locksmith Journal as an interviewer and writer . Having worked in the ironmongery and fenestration sector for many years , it ’ s great to be able to write about the people and companies working within the sector . Some of you may remember me from my days at Epwin Window Systems , HOPPE and more recently ABUS .
I believe that everyone has a story to tell , if you think about your journey to date that led you to where you are today ; telling your story can be a real inspiration to others , as well as generating publicity for your company . Our sector is such an exciting place . I look forward to talking to you about exciting developments in your company , such as : new starters , expansions , new products or technologies , projects you ’ re involved in , or apprenticeships and training , and also extraordinary stories , facing adversity and those challenging the norm , such as women working in the trade . If you think you have a story to tell , get in touch with wendy @ cvgroup . co . uk
When determination runs through someone it can be applied in many ways ; people are multi-faceted and capable of reinventing themselves , and when hobbies become careers that is when working-life aligns with having fun . It was a journey that re-ignited an inner childhood passion for Will Burke of Northwest Lock and Key . His personal journey into locksmithing raised great curiosity of how an ex-pro MMA fighter could indeed end up becoming a locksmith .
Also , lots of ‘ girl power ’ to report with two autolocksmith businesses both ran by women : a female trio at Advanced Keys in Birmingham business with the mission of ‘ All Grow Together ’. Then , NW Keys - a family business that is run by two sisters , Nicky and Samantha - in Liverpool ; residing in an old fire station built in 1905 – still visited by firefighters …
Once again thank you to all the people I ’ ve interviewed this month , and to those I ’ ve already spoken to for the next issue . I can ’ t wait to hear more interesting and inspiring stories that make this industry what it is , and the people that make this magazine what it is too – we really couldn ’ t do it without you !
See you next time , Wendy
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FEBRUARY 2024
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