After 26 years on the frontlines of policing, and a prior stint in the Armed Forces, Coventry-born Darren Byrne traded tactical raids for locksmithing. Now running The Coventry Locksmith, he’s building his third career as a self-employed locksmith, aiming to strike the perfect balance between semi-retirement and ambition.
Ticking the Box for Self-Employment
I’ve always had a “to-do” list in the back of my mind and self-employment was one of the few things left unticked. After over 30 years spent in service in the police and Armed Forces combined, I’d earned my pension and had the chance to explore something new. A few of us in the police had training in lock entry for doing warrants, so when I retired, I thought, why not pick up locksmithing and see where it takes me? I trained with the Master Locksmiths Association in Rugby and decided to start something from scratch.
It’s been just over a year now, and it’s been a learning curve. Coming straight out of employment into running your own business, you quickly realise you’re the marketing team, the bookkeeper, the stock room manager, and the person answering the phone. But despite the steep learning curve, I’ve enjoyed the process, though I’m still deciding whether I prefer the locksmithing or the business-building side more, as both are great!
Semi-Retired, Still Ambitious
I don’t want to be out five days a week. I’m semi-retired, and I’d be happy with three or four full days of work. I’ve not quite hit that sweet spot yet, but I’m building confidence and experience with every job. I’m not interested in standing still. I’m looking into training with the Fire Protection Association to become a fire door assessor; it’s a skill that complements what I already do. Two of my best mates are ex-firefighters who’ve made the move into fire door assessments themselves, so it feels like a natural progression and a good fit for my business.
I’m also aiming to do my Master Locksmiths qualification in the next few years. I’m a member of the MLA already, and although I don’t promote my police background publicly, I carry an enhanced DBS and an MLA ID, which gives customers peace of mind, especially in an unregulated industry where someone could be an ex-criminal and leave jail on a Friday and set-up as a locksmith on the Monday, without any credentials or training.
The Wins, the Frustrations, and What I’ve Learned
What I love about locksmithing is the variety and problem-solving. There’s a real satisfaction in helping someone after a break-in, knowing you’ve restored their sense of security. On the flip side, I sometimes turn jobs down if they’re more suited to other trades, like carpentry. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not, and if a job is outside my skill set, I’ve got contacts I can pass it on to. That honesty has brought work back to me down the line, people appreciate it.
There’s frustration, though. DIY videos on YouTube and odd jobbers undercut proper tradespeople, and customers often end up paying twice when things aren’t done right the first time. Then there are the “49ers”- the cowboys who prey on vulnerable people. Given my background, that really gets under my skin.
Advice for New Locksmiths
If I could start again, I’d spend more time researching training providers. There are some brilliant, highly skilled, locksmiths out there offering hands-on experience. I’d recommend Andy Perrin for his workshop and hands-on learning approach, or Spencer Pittam and Seth Ryden, those two are constantly innovating ways to tackle failed uPVC mechanisms. They also offer great value for money.
Training aside, I learned early on to be cautious with stock and tools. I spent around £5,000 setting up, and I’m glad I didn’t overdo it. Some locks I bought are still gathering dust, but others, like Chameleon adjustable handles, have saved my skin a few times. It’s best to figure out what’s popular in your area and stock accordingly. Also, don’t overlook the basics: a waterproof jacket and a head torch are among my best investments.
Looking Ahead
I’ll admit, I was hesitant about being featured in The Locksmith Journal. I’m not the kind of person who seeks the spotlight, but it’s a great opportunity to share what I’ve learned and give something back to the community. I want to build The Coventry Locksmith into a trusted, successful local business, not just for me, but for the people who rely on us locksmiths to help keep them safe and secure.
www.thecoventrylocksmith.com
07771 710 570
info@thecoventrylocksmith.com
The Coventry Locksmith offers a wide range of locksmith services across Coventry and the surrounding areas, tailored to meet the needs of both domestic and commercial customers. Whether it’s an emergency lockout, a lock change, or window and door repairs, Darren provides fast, reliable, and affordable solutions to help clients feel safe and secure.
Known for his professionalism and integrity, Darren is fully trained, DBS-checked, and a proud member of the UK’s largest locksmith organisation. With a strong focus on customer care and a commitment to high standards, The Coventry Locksmith is a trusted choice for anyone needing locksmith services in Coventry and Warwickshire.