Interview with a Locksmith – Simon Griffiths of Holdfast Security Systems

The next locksmith in line for our Interview with a Locksmith series is MLA Approved Company owner, Simon Griffiths ( Editor of Keyways ) from Holdfast Security Systems

Company Name:  Holdfast Security Systems
Location: Crewe, Cheshire
Years Trading: 24 – established in 1989

1. So tell us a little bit of a back story about yourself, when did you become a Locksmith and how long have been a Locksmith?

I started as an apprenticeship in 1979 and here I am, nearly 35 years later, still at it!

2. How did you originally get into Locksmithing and Why?

In 1979 I finished a catering course at college and wasn’t sure what to do with myself so I was working in a pub when someone said: “why don’t I try being a locksmith”.  It turned out he ran a locksmith business and my interview consisted of “when do you want to start”!

3. What advice do you have for people wanting to become a locksmith?

Don’t think you can learn it in a week; I’m still learning 35 years on.  There are lots of courses out there promising massive earnings after 3 or 5 days and it just doesn’t happen that way.  Try to get a job with an MLA company and learn to be a locksmith properly.

4. How has the being a member of MLA helped you as a locksmith? 

All sorts of ways including regional meetings where there’s a lot of knowledge to be had in the bar at 3 in the morning!

5. How has business been since the recession hit?

To be honest it’s been pretty good, offering such a range of locksmith services and products means if one aspect of the business is quite another is generally busy and we’ve taken on an apprentice.

6. Are there any funny stories from your time in the industry that stick out?

Lots – but I’m not sure I should let them slip!

7. What are your plans for the future?

Keep on doing what we’re doing, it seems to be working!  But without standing still as things move on all the time and electronics are playing a bigger part in locksmithing every day.