After 30 years in printing newspapers, Nick Durn swapped ink for locksmithing and is now one of South Wales’ most respected, award-winning locksmiths, known for his savvy marketing, relentless energy, and unmatched local reputation.
He’s the driving force behind City Locksmiths Gwent Ltd, a one-man powerhouse known for professionalism, personality, and an obsessive commitment to doing the job right. Recently crowned one of Three Best Rated’s top locksmiths in Newport and Industry Oversight’s No.1 locksmith in the city, Nick’s rise from redundancy to regional recognition is highly commendable – achieved through grit, graft, and pure persistence.
Printing Went Out of Style
I started out in printing when I was 18, actually printing national newspapers such as the Daily Mail and News of the World. I worked for the same firm for 30 years, the Daily Mail & Trust, which also printed the Bristol Evening Post.
Then, in 2009, they shut the doors. Over a hundred of us out of work overnight. The printed news industry was dying because people simply weren’t buying papers; technology had taken over and that was it. I still meet up with some of the old crew now and then. Funny thing is, I’m the only one who ended up in a trade (locksmithing) and stuck with it, a lot have gone from trade to trade.
I Bought a Franchise – then Went Independent
After losing my printing job, I needed a change. I didn’t fancy sitting around waiting for something to happen, so I invested in a LockRite franchise in Exeter. I stayed with them for three years. It gave me a solid start, especially the training – two weeks of one-on-one hands-on learning, which was part of the franchise cost.
But I soon realised I wanted more flexibility. The franchise tied me to a specific area, and I felt boxed in. I wanted to go where the work was. In 2012, I set up as an independent, self-employed, local locksmith, totally in control of my future and that’s when City Locksmiths Gwent Ltd began.
I Work Solo, but I’m Never Alone
I mostly work on my own, but I’ve built a good network of local locksmiths. When I’m snowed under, I’ll pass jobs to a couple of lads I trust instead of letting the nationals take them. We help each other out.
If I go on holiday, I’ll even divert my phone to one of them. That way, customers still get a quick response, and the work stays local. It’s how it should be – small businesses supporting each other instead of losing everything to big call centres.
I’m not interested in building an empire. I’d rather keep it personal, reliable, and professional. That’s why I’m one of the most active locksmiths in the area and proud of it.
I’m Addicted to Advertising, but Only If It Works!
I’ve tried every kind of advertising you can think of over the years: Google SEO, directories, Facebook, Checkatrade, even Google Ads back in the day. I’m obsessed with return on investment (ROI) – if it doesn’t make sense financially, I don’t touch it again.
Google Ads used to cost me £10 a click, which makes no sense when you’re only earning a 30% margin on a job. I learned the hard way; patience pays more than Pay Per Click.
Now, I invest smartly. I’ve got three different people working on my SEO in different areas, and I’ve been with my main developer for eight years. That’s how you stay visible and trusted online.
I’ve got over 800 reviews on Checkatrade – the most in Gwent! Only about two in ten customers leave a review, so that tells you how many people I’ve helped. It’s a full-time job just keeping up with them!
Signwriting Is Free Advertising – 24/7
If there’s one bit of advice I’d give to anyone starting out, it’s this: always get your van sign-written. It’s the best free advertising you’ll ever have.
I’ve had so many jobs just because someone spotted my van on their street. People trust a name they recognise – especially if they’ve seen it around town for years. If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to worry about, van signage is free advertising.
Also, you’ve got to be available 24/7 when you first start out, it’s part of the job – until you’ve built up your name.
UPVC Repairs: Where the Real Profit Is
Eighty percent of my work now is UPVC door and window repairs. There’s good profit in it, and it’s more predictable than lockouts. Emergency jobs are fine when you’re starting out, but they’re unreliable – customers cancel last minute or want you at 3 a.m.
I’d rather focus on proper repair work. I even get my SEO guys to steer my website that way – targeting UPVC repair searches over emergency locksmiths. It’s smarter business.
After sixteen years in the trade, I’ve never damaged a door. That comes down to having the right tools, the right technique, and a bit of pride in your work.
Locks are Getting Smarter and Trickier
The locks have changed massively since I started. Sixteen years ago, the internet wasn’t such a big part of the trade. Now, the national firms dominate Google, and the hardware’s tougher too.
You’ve got composite doors with auto-locking systems, multi-point setups that fire bolts into the frame, and sometimes no proper handle. They’re great for security, but not so great for locksmiths.
When I get a tricky one, I’ll ask around on the forums. I’m on a WhatsApp group called Bump Keys for You. It’s a great place to share tips and find new ways around complicated locks.
Keep Learning – That’s the Key
I’ve done a bit of everything when it comes to training. The LockRite course got me started, but since I’ve added Level 3 qualifications, MPL lockpicking, and some mortice picking training.
If I can’t do something, I learn it. That’s how I’ve stayed relevant. You can’t sit still in this trade – it moves too fast.
I love the freedom locksmithing gives me — choosing my hours, being there for family events, meeting all sorts of people. You never know who’s behind that door until it opens. That’s what keeps it interesting.
People Will Try to Knock You – Literally & Digitally
Fake reviews are the new graffiti. I’ve had bad ones pop up from Russia and America -people trying to destroy your ranking. I’ve reported them, and they’ve been removed, but it’s crazy how some people spend more time sabotaging others than improving themselves.
Luckily, I’ve got a great web developer who keeps an eye on my backlinks and clears out anything suspicious. It’s all part of the game now.
I’ll Keep Going Until the Pension Kicks In
I’m 62 now, and I’ve got no plans to stop anytime soon. I enjoy what I do – and as long as my back holds out, I’ll keep turning the key. There’s no franchise, no middleman, just me and my customers. I built it from nothing and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.
07595 431870
More Information
Based in Newport, City Locksmiths Gwent Ltd is an award-winning independent locksmith service covering all NP postcode areas with no call-out fees. Specialising in domestic, commercial, and industrial security, the company completes 95% of jobs in a single visit thanks to a fully equipped van and expert knowledge in UPVC lock repairs.