Its been a very long time since the last update life and work has just been hectic.

I thought I’d start the blog again with the great news that I have finally undertaken and passed

the entrance exam to become a full member of the Master Locksmiths Association.

I attended the MLA’s HQ in Daventry a few weeks ago with four other candidates all hoping

to leave the building a ‘Qualified Master Locksmith’.

I must say it was tough, the pressure you can put on yourself is pretty immense.

I had practiced and practiced as a couple of the modules are not part of my normal day to day work.

I enjoyed the picking practice more then the lock fitting practice. I could open any of the current British Standard

locks in well under 2 minutes. All without any damage.

I always plan on having more than 1 option so also practiced drilling the locks – just in case!

I would like to thank Martin from Leadbeater Locksmiths, Horsham for all his help in the build up to the exam.

I have proudly displayed my certificate in the workshop – Which is now fully functional and exactly how I wanted it.

Next year I plan on becoming an approved company with the MLA, at present, I am a personal member.

Thanks for reading and I will start to update the site as soon as I can.

Simon

Hi to everyone who stops to read the blog.

Sorry there has been nothing of interest to read or look at for a long while now. I assure you I am still here.

A temporary set back caused by a injury that has put me out of action for longer than anticipated.

Should be booked in for a scan in the next couple of days so I’m hoping that I’ll be back to work shortly.

Thanks to all the customers who have called in the mean time and I hope I helped out as much as I could.

I am still available via email and phone and I can happily recommend a trusted safe engineers all over the country who can assist you while I’m getting better – hopefully not too long now.

During this period I have learnt all about programming of various electronic locks, updated my database and bought new imaging equipment for site work and recording of safes and locks for future reference. The Nikon D600 is a full frame camera and it records extremely high quality images, works really well in low light and is a joy to use. To compliment this I’ve also added a small tough camera that is great just for quick reference shots – and the odd trophy shot – I’ve included a shot taken down at Rustington beach recently on one of my ‘short rehabilitation walks’

Stay tuned, I’ll be back very soon.

Thanks,

Simon – S O Safe Services Ltd

SAVTA (Safe and Vault Technicians Association) have issued a warning about tradesmen using the logo without authorisation, being a member of SAVTA or even being a safe engineer. All companies and individuals who are members of SAVTA have been issued a number.

My number is SR1391140. This number should be displayed below the logo. It is a moment of transition so many members have not yet added this to their websites or stationary.

It is important to call the right person for a job. Many companies who offer a safe opening and repair service cannot actually do the job and call on another engineer, this of course adds money to the final bill. Some will try to open safes and make the situation more complicated by

setting off relockers, snapping drill bits in doors and locks,  this again, increases the cost to the end user.

There are a number of reputable safe engineers / technicians in this country and most know each other well or know of each other, certainly we all pass work to each other if the need arises.

Although not a full guarantee of professionalism look for engineers with accreditation, membership of the MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) SAVTA, Checkatrade etc will give a good guide to the person your employing.

Remember, the more information you can give the better chance of an accurate quote prior to any works being carried out, photos, measurements brand names all help to quote for a job.

Just a shout out to a great trusted locksmith friend who will soon be the proud owner of Locum locks. Locum locks was owned by Ken Marsden, a long standing MLA locksmith with years in the trade. A real professional locksmith with integrity.

Gareth has worked in all the fields of locksmithing, locks, access control, vehicles and safes so is more than capable of any task set.

I worked with Gareth at Locksecure Ltd in Sevenoaks about 12 years ago when I was a locksmith.

I wish him all the luck in the world!