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RAVENWOOD LOCKSMITHS Ltd is a part of Ravenwood Solutions Ltd and is an accredited security locksmith company. Established in 2009, the company was founded by former military specialists with over 40 years’ experience in the security industry. The company has specialised in non-destructive entry both on commercial and domestic buildings and vehicle lockouts.

Operations Director, Jay Benhow, has over 20 years’ experience within the security industry, serving with specialist military units including intelligence and Special Forces both domestically and overseas. Jay currently holds a degree in Criminology from the Southampton Solent University and began a MSc in London before deploying overseas in 2009. In this article for The Locksmith Journal, he talks about life after the military …

“ During my time in the military, I saw service in N. Ireland in the early 90s, Bosnia in 95 and then three tours in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2013.

“ I served a total of 17 years. Seven years with a county infantry regiment and a further ten years with Military Intelligence. During my service, I was fortunate enough to work in some interesting areas, operating with not only British forces but foreign military units, from learning Pashto during my time in Afghan to understanding Kenyan culture in Africa.

“ On my return from my last tour of Afghan, which had been particularly difficult, I decided that looking for alternative avenues of employment would be my next task. In early 2015, I was offered a role working in Iraq for a global energy company. It was during this time that friends and family began noticing changes in my behaviour and during my nine months of working in Iraq I finally left. Very soon after that I resigned from the military completely.

“ Nine months ago I was diagnosed with complex PTSD, I was burnt out. I knew that Iraq wouldn’ t last forever and, during the last months, I began looking at Locksmithing as a future career. In November 2016, I completed my locksmith qualifications and began the task of building a small business and becoming selfemployed.

“ I started my CBT( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with a NHS funded veterans centre close to my home with a session a week. I began some subcontracting work and building my client list, writing business plans and familiarising myself with all the kit and equipment necessary to do the job. I still struggle with PICK GUNS!

“ I am now a qualified locksmith operating a successful small

‘ I am now a qualified locksmith operating a successful small business’

business. If it wasn’ t for an advert in a military publication I potentially wouldn’ t have even considered a career in Locksmithing. Locksmithing has given me a future. I still have off days but it soon disappears when you’ re gaining entry for someone locked out and you haven’ t damaged anything. I now run two small companies, a security consultancy and a locksmith company.

“ I am still in therapy and this is likely to continue for some time. To help others, I founded a small charity called‘ Boots on the Ground’. This is a veteran’ s support services charity helping individuals leaving the military. If you are reading this, soon to become exmilitary and you are considering a career in locksmithing and you want some advice, please get in touch.”

Email forwardassist @ bootsonthegrounduk. org or visit www. bootsonthegrounduk. org