Opportunities sometimes knock through events that at the time may not seem lucky.
Adele King’s route to becoming a locksmith running her own business – Preston-based Ladykings Locksmiths , for instance, came about following voluntary redundancies in the prison service where she was a senior prison officer.
Adele (44) trained as a locksmith in January 2012 with MPL in Bradford, close to where she then lived. “I saw an advertisement for a locksmith and once I found out that I could do the training with MPL, right on my doorstep, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Most people who know me well will say I don’t do things by half measures – I don’t go with the trends but always do things differently. So I decided to take the plunge.”
She initially wanted to combine her full-time role in the prison service with part-time work as a locksmith, but that was not allowed.
“But when voluntary redundancy was offered to senior prison officers in 2012, I decided to apply and got it,” Adele explained. “Throughout my whole adult life, I have always at least attempted to do my own DIY so when I was considering leaving the prison service, I knew I could tackle something practical. Also, I come from a strong security background and can think ‘out of the box’.
“Working in prison, I dealt with many different kinds of people, some of whom are vulnerable or have mental health issues. In running Ladyking Locksmiths, that earlier experience helps me take people’s individual security needs into account. It is useful to know how to keep someone calm, for instance, after a break-in. I also really enjoy helping people which is what locksmiths do.”
Adele has not encountered much gender prejudice since she started her locksmith training.
“But after 13 years in the prison service I have very broad shoulders and can give as good as I get!” she smiled.
Her business doesn’t focus particularly on women, but on anyone who needs locksmith services.
“I network with a great group of business people who have not only helped me with my business techniques but my credibility.
“My company name is Ladykings: well, I am a lady and my surname is King – but I don’t promote that females should come to me. I don’t make a point of stating that I am a female locksmith, but what I do is to market my business around working with other businesses, ensuring I can bring them some security enhancement.
“I like to be honest – and people seem to like the concept of me coming from a prison service background,” she said. “From locking people up to unlocking as a locksmith. Hence my line is, ‘You lock it , I’ll unlock it’ and that seems to work well as a marketing slogan!”
I asked Adele if she believed women locksmiths bring some specific skills to the trade – such as multi-tasking, manual dexterity etc?
“It’s funny really,” she said. “I think locksmithing – like the prison service – is another trade or job that takes a special sort of person…….Let’s be truthful: who wants to offer to put yourself out in the middle of the winter in the freezing cold to unlock a door for someone whose been out on the razz – unless you really love the job? Who would be prepared to work silly hours and then possibly not have work for a few days, then be called out on the spot to help a lady who’s been beaten up and lost her keys?
“Some people would say it can be a little dangerous for a woman to go out alone late at night, but it’s also true that the empathy of a female can work to her advantage.
“Like any other job, you work things to your advantage for your client needs.
”I really enjoyed the trained and due to the fact that I have always worked with my hands I could do most things,” she said. “But like life, if I am ever unsure I have my contact sphere which I have built up over the years and I know I can rely on them should I need advice. It would certainly take a strong person to make me feel out of place or different.
Adele plans to keep up with training in the future .
“Since my initial training in January 2012, I have taken my advanced lock picking with MPL and am hoping to take another course in the later part of this year.
“I want to look at improving my mort ice picking which as a newly developed locksmith is basic, but I will develop.”
Adele admitted she was surprised to learn that there isn’t a recognised industry standard qualification.” I don’t know why not – there certainly should be,” is her view.
DEVELOPING BUSINESS SKILLS
As well as locksmith training, Adele’s future plans include more business development.
“I’ve always been about development and it’s not just about my locksmithing skills,” she explained. “Being new to running a business, it is important that I also develop my business strategy, marketing and networking skills.
“On the business side, I work with Carmen Parkinson of the Rerrall institute and John Garrod of Bridge Business Coaching. I network with a great group of business people who have not only helped me with my business techniques but also my credibility.”
Adele specialises in PVCu, but also covers all aspects of locksmithing.
It’s a very busy life. I asked Adele if she has time for any hobbies these days.
“At the moment my hobbies have mostly gone on hold because I am working on my business, but I do enjoy fine dining with fine wines – I am learning to develop a fine palate. I am currently single – but enjoying every minute!”