From the Editor
Break-in news
One of the best things about this job is going out and about to meet our customers . Handsdown the very best thing though is getting my hands on locksmith tools and equipment . So , as I stood with a mallet in my hand last Friday morning , I thought – not for the first time – I love being editor of The Locksmith Journal .
» THERE ’ S MORE TO COME IN MAY ABOUT WHY I was breaking into doors and windows in Cheshire ( and no it ’ s not a new illegal sideline of mine ), but I will say that my initial fears of not being able to hit it hard enough disappeared with the first whack . Maybe I had some pent up deadline tension or maybe I missed my calling as a uPVC door repairer ( or burglar ) – either way thank you Souber Tools and SashStop for a brilliant launch day and presentation .
Neston wasn ’ t the only pin on my proverbial map this month . We also took the slightly longer trip down to Kent to VBH and it was definitely worth the 10-hour round trip . What a welcome and what a fantastic set up for the launch of the new greenteQ and architeQ 20 and 25- year guarantees .
As I write this , we have more trips booked in for May for both the hardware and wider fenestration sector . I really can ’ t wait to get over the hills to Manchester and down the M1 ( two of my favourite Ms !) for more catching up with customers .
You see for us , it ’ s all about the people behind the products on our pages . We never turn down an invitation to see where these products come from , who makes them , who packs them , who ’ s on the end of the phone when you want one .
And , while we always keep in touch over the phone and on emails , there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings and our all-time-favourite , the factory tour . Yes , operations and processes still excite me . Except now I ’ ve learnt how to deglaze a door and release a mushroom bolt with a brand new tool kit , there ’ s some stiff competition .
See you next time , if we don ’ t see you before ... Gemma
WHAT ’ S THE STORY ?
» THIS MONTH I ’ VE FELT VERY PRIVILEGED TO have interviewed some very interesting locksmith business owners again . I feel like I ’ ve covered the UK this month interviewing businesses in Scotland , the Midlands and down South . I ’ m making so many new industry contacts and maybe even new friends along the way .
The people I speak to are very busy but , although their lives are manic , working 24 / 7 , they ’ re so friendly and knowledgeable . The opportunity to publish a story free-of-charge in The Locksmith Journal really is a ‘ no-brainer ’. All you need to do is get in-touch and spare 20 minutes of your time to tell us : About your business – what makes it different ? What do you love about locksmithing ? How did you get into the trade ? Got any new products or services you wish to launch ? Or sector news or funny stories to tell ?
This month I caught up with Colin Smith at CJS Locksmiths , whose claim to fame is having one of the largest key-cutting shops in Glasgow , possibly even Scotland … Ran by Colin Smith since 2005 , CJS provides general and auto locksmithing , sells to the trade and online . Colin told us about his unique journey into locksmithing and how the hectic nature of the job suits him . Also , locksmiths see things that people in other trades don ’ t ; the fun and frolics of locksmithing should we say .
It was great to interview someone very local to me , Neil Carrier of Keith Carrier & Son in Willenhall , Wolverhampton ; an extraordinary locksmith whose industry reputation for carrying out work on Royal residences , churches , historical and listed buildings , precedes him . The locksmith of choice to carry out intricate lock and key metalwork , Neil designs and manufactures bespoke locks and keys , and also restores some of the oldest ironmongery to its former glory .
In the South , I chatted to Daniel and Mark of ALS Locksmiths in Fareham , Hampshire , who ’ s recently seen growth in their safe business and found a great way of marketing their credentials instore . They also talk about their biggest challenges , the importance of team work and a recent ‘ Del Boy moment ’.
Stories in locksmithing never cease to amaze us at The Locksmith Journal . Do you have an interesting story to tell ? Get in-touch with Wendy on wendy @ cvgroup . co . uk
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APRIL 2024
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