Stelios Papa of All City Locksmiths Ltd, based in Blackheath south-east London, told us about his extraordinary journey into locksmithing. Originally a barber, Stelios cut hair for over 10 years managing two barber shops in Kent, he told us all about how he went from cutting hair to cutting keys…
The transition: From one type of lock to another
I saw an old friend out of the blue that I had not seen for years. We were having a chat as I got him into my barber chair and he told me he was getting into locksmithing; it sounded very interesting and really got me thinking. We stayed in touch and in 2021 he persuaded me to do a locksmithing course.
I have been trading for two years now as a locksmith. My friend also has a successful business growing stronger by the year.
Did your prior experience help you with locksmithing?
Well yes, in a way! Instead of cutting keys I was cutting hair, it’s a different skill, both requiring a lot of patience: one wrong cut can lead to a spoiled job. Through barbering I learned how to deal with the public and how to manage a business: both of these skills have helped me as a locksmith.
Where did you train?
I did an MLA locksmith course, however classroom learning really didn’t suit me. The MLA gave me the basics, but the other people on the course were already multi-traders for a large housing association and it was new to me. I needed some one-to-one training being new to the industry, so I did a mortice lock picking course with a trainer, Jason Hiller, in Halesowen Birmingham.
I also attended the Souber training recently with Paul Souber and Paul Batty which was a great day. Paul taught us how to use door and window opening kits and did useful demonstrations of the tools. It was great to be given the kits to take away and use, in return for feedback and recording some videos of the tools in application.
What do you like about being a locksmith?
Every day there’s always a new challenge or something different and I love helping people. I have to admit, the hours can be long (working 24/7), and there is a large outlay for tools at the start. But, if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, with a lot of patience, practice, research and learning, it is an achievable and rewarding career.
What’s next for All City?
I don’t currently do safe work but I would love to learn how to do it. I’m always looking for another iron in the fire. I really enjoy learning and I would like to be experienced in all aspects of locksmithing. For the time being, I will just keep on going and growing my business.
Tell us where you’ve worked?
I’ve worked on the Millenium Dome (the O2 arena) when I was called out to an emergency repair of a roller shutter. I’ve also worked at the Queen Mary University of London opening antique cabinets which contained very historic books, Leak St Tunnels in central London, St Thomas’s Hospital, The Co Operative, Travel Lodge and many more…
I am based in Blackheath south-east London and cover London, Kent, Greenwich, Lewisham and surrounding areas, and carry out both domestic and commercial work. I typically carry out general locksmithing work, glass and double-glazing repairs and emergency board-ups.
How do you market your business?
Well, I mostly rely on word of mouth as a result of the reputable service I provide. I also have a website and I run local advertisements in the news, and manage my own social media. Marketing is another job to do but I enjoy doing it. The fact that I market myself as having ‘no call out fees’ and transparent pricing is exactly what the customer is looking for: a reliable trustworthy locksmith at a fair (agreed upfront) price, who can be there within the hour.
All City Locksmiths is proud to offer a fast, efficient, and reliable service in London, Kent, and all surrounding areas. Stelios goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s and customer’s needs, wanting all customers to be completely satisfied with the work undertaken.
Maintaining client happiness is paramount at All City Locksmiths.