We caught up with Barrie Howell of Owl Locksmiths & Security based in Hayle, South West of Cornwall. Contemplating retirement, Barrie told us it’s not yet time to hang up his lockpicks yet! Supporting his family and earning a decent living, his health is good so why not keep going! Barrie has worked all over – from Up-t’ North’, to the midlands, then Dorset and now Cornwall, it’s interesting to hear how locksmithing differs by location.
How did your Locksmithing Journey Begin?
My locksmithing journey started back in 2003, somewhat by accident. After leaving the forces at the end of 1999, I worked for various companies as an employee which I could never get on with. I struggled working for others, and never seemed to earn quite enough as I wanted to, plus I found that many bosses were unprofessional. I wanted the independence and stability that came with being self-employed. Running my own business allows me to work the hours I choose but still earn a decent living.
I was involved in a few different ventures being self-employed: a manager / physical instructor at a sports club, a partner in a Scuba Diving School, I even set up my own commercial driving business, however, I found the work was either feast or famine. At that time, a friend suggested locksmithing. After completing a one-week course with the UK Locksmith Association in London, I had learnt the basics but it was a big learning curve and a bit of a culture shock. Since then, I’ve built my own locksmithing business, Owl Locksmiths & Security, with my wife Sharon managing the admin, bookings and bookkeeping. The workload is manageable and during busy periods Sharon is more than capable of taking on common tasks to ease the pressure on me.
Sharon keying alike some Mortice locks.
What Changes have you Seen over the Years?
Over the years, I’ve adapted to the evolving locksmith industry, staying on top of new technologies like anti-snap locks and 3-star cylinders. Lock security has changed so much over the years, like everything else over time it becomes more advanced; it’s the same with security products. When I first started the product range was a lot simpler. I remember when I started, the majority of doors were still wooden with night latches and mortice locks. Yes, there was UPVC but it was definitely basic multipoint such as Mila latch only with rollers, nothing like we have today. Trying to find a locksmith that would work on them was harder, and so, for anyone willing to learn, it was a good period. I remember talking to a couple of older experienced locksmiths and they said “if it isn’t wood” we won’t touch it; I can’t imagine that attitude today.
Nowadays, I get to work on everything from the ‘bog standard’ brick built domestic home to housing worth millions, hotels to shipping containers, policy and immigration raids for repair and secure, commercial properties to swimming pools and even the odd ship or yacht. It’s great!
Caravan lock replacements
Regional Variations
While my business has expanded across Cornwall, I’ve worked in different parts of the UK, starting out originally in Leicestershire, and then Dorset, and now Cornwall. I have seen how different regions bring different challenge! People have different views on security, as well as the type of locks and products on the doors are different, and how much people are willing to spend varies.
In Cornwall there are a lot of rental properties, albeit full residential or holiday lets. The rental properties often want the basics at a “cheap” price, whereas the holiday rental landlords want good quality high security products often with controlled or restricted keys to protect their investment.
‘Up-t’ North’ people are more likely to ‘try it on’ and haggle on price, often refusing to pay the agreed fee! I had one guy who tried to haggle with me after we already agreed a price (quoted in writing) and after the job he tried to pay me less. The price is too expensive for the domestic market even if free! The local “true” Cornish often say to me “There’s no crime In Cornwall boy” to which I reply: “Well If there’s no crime In Cornwall, why is it that I rarely get a day off?”
CCTV fitting at Flicka Foundation
Cornish Livin’
Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice living in Cornwall, but it’s no holiday when you’re working. I find the that the physical side of locksmithing doesn’t slow me down, it’s the dealing with the influx of tourists in Cornwall during summer and winter can be mentally exhausting! When I arrived in Cornwall back in 2010, tourism was distinctly seasonal, but now it doesn’t seem to stop – it really is exhausting – all trades people moan about it. It’s a nightmare to get around due to the traffic, finding a place to park, it certainly makes the day harder and your guaranteed to be working weekends on the holiday lets during the changeovers, so no real quality time off.
Family and Future
With my seven grandchildren, aged four to 16, and 94-year-old father, and mother-in-law now “ish” age, family plays a big part in my life. While I had planned to retire by April 2025, work and family commitments have kept me carrying on locksmithing until at least April 2026. I like the flexibility that self-employment offers and there are no bosses (to not get along with) but work can be stressful and long. I like to be able to take as much time of as I like for holidays and work the hours I want when I can. It’s hard to give up a trade that works so well around family commitments, and the decent living is hard to give up.
Digi lock fitting
Wisdom from Experience
Locksmithing isn’t just a trade; it’s a commitment. I’ve learned over the years that starting a locksmith business can be expensive and frustrating, and (as far as I am aware) still no government funding to help start-ups. I have come across new starters who, because of lack of support, have given up. From stocking the right parts to avoiding costly mistakes, it’s about being smart with your resources and thinking logically.
I am sure each of the thousands of locksmiths in the UK, each and every one would have some different advice to offer, but I have picked two that have stuck with me because I made mistakes:
#1: tip for anyone starting out: Don’t overstock, and be mindful of regional differences in lock preferences, get to know your area! It`s easy to think that you need every type of lock, from every manufacturer, size and colour. You must fill that gap on the shelf. You don’t. You’re an emergency service, so if at 8pm you have to replace a cylinder to secure the property and the original was satin but you only have brass, tough! As long as the one removed was 35/35mm and you don’t fit a snap able 60/60mm fine. If the customer wants a like for like, ok, order one and when your return charge the customer as required for the privilege. Your job was done getting them in, changing and resecuring their property. You don’t need “everything” you need just what’s required.
“Remember” any locking device be it cylinder, night latch or mortice style is only scrap metal until it’s in the door and paid for! I made that mistake and paid a price for it. 20 years on I still have scrap metal on my shelves from day 1.
#2: When the job is not going right in the middle of the night and is pouring down, the kids are crying, the wife`s screaming at the husband for losing the keys and he’s moaning at you for taking what he thinks is a long time and that “darn” mortice just will not open, Remember, if they could do it, you would not be there. Keep calm, take your time and think it through. Do NOT panic and simply kick the door in. If need be, go to the van, take a breather and then return with that vital bit of kit that you didn`t need.
Panic kit fitting for B&Q
More about Owl Locksmiths & Security
At Owl Locksmiths & Security, they are committed to providing fast and reliable locksmith services, no matter the time of day. A trusted family business, with a reputation that has grown over the years thanks to their friendly and personal service.