We caught up with Steve Fairfax of Fairfax Locksmiths, whose career has taken him from financial advisor to frontline locksmith. Now trusted across Upminster, Hornchurch and beyond, Steve says he’s found his true calling, feeling like ‘Superman’ each time he saves the day by opening a door.
Investment Portfolios to Locksmithing
I never set out to be a locksmith. In my early twenties, I moved to London from Cornwall, not really knowing what I wanted. I bounced around, worked in bars and nightclubs, and eventually found myself in financial advising. But I hated it. Too much pressure, the wrong crowd of people, and I knew deep down it wasn’t for me.
My cousin got me a job at Banham, the famous lock manufacturer and locksmith company in West London. To their clientele, the rich, the elite, and the famous, even having a Banham van parked outside was a status symbol. I started selling locks and soon moved into the practical side, cutting keys and working on the trade side. That was what got me hooked! I realised I enjoyed using my hands more than selling.
Banham had branches all over London, Maidenhead, Kensington, Chelsea, and I learned the ins and outs of their systems. I knew Banham inside out but also gained a good grounding in other lock brands.
Going It Alone
I wanted to be out on the road as a locksmith, not just behind a counter, but Banham couldn’t give me that opportunity. So, I moved to another locksmithing company. Honestly, I didn’t learn much there. At one point, they asked me to drill a door open. I felt terrible doing it, because I’d been trained to think more carefully. Soon after, the company folded.
By then, I knew I loved locksmithing, so in 2013 I went self-employed. That was a whole different ball game. It’s not just about opening doors; it’s about running a business. You can be the best locksmith in the world, but if the phone doesn’t ring, you won’t last long.
At first, it was tough. I subcontracted for a big West London company called Marios’s run Eugene. He was great to me, gave me plenty of work, and I learned a lot. Over time, my own customer base grew, and I could step away from subcontracting and stand on my own two feet. It took four or five years before I started to see a real profit. But now? I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
The Power of the MLA
About four years ago, I joined the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), and I’m now a qualified Master Locksmith. That step really transformed things for me. It gave me credibility, it brought in more work, and, just as importantly, it connected me with a network of locksmiths.
We’re all like-minded people who help each other out. If I’ve got a tricky job, I know someone in the MLA will give me advice. If I’m snowed under, there’s always another locksmith to cover me. Being part of that association has improved both my revenue and my skills.
Life on the Job
When I worked in West London, it was often big buildings and wooden doors for wealthy clients, with posh locks. Now I live in Essex, the work is different, lots of UPVC doors, lockouts, lock changes, and security upgrades. I don’t open safes, but I install them, along with grills and gates. I still give advice on alarms and CCTV when asked, since I had experience with them at Banham.
One of my favourite jobs is keying alike on site, customers love the fact I can do it straight away; it saves me visiting them twice and they get their locks changed immediately. I’ve got a small workshop at home where I do larger master keying orders. Honestly, I find it therapeutic, relaxing even. I’ve got accounts with suppliers like Apex, Brisant, ABS, JMA and Sila. When I need something, I’m on first-name terms with most of them. I enjoy going to expos too, meeting directors of hardware suppliers and other locksmiths. The gala dinners are a good laugh as well.
And then there are the customers. I’ve had people locked out in dressing gowns, toddlers locking parents out while waving from upstairs windows, even requests to fit rack bolts on every internal door, ‘not to fox’ burglars but to stop clever dogs and cats from pulling handles down and letting themselves in!
Love, Hate, & Everything in Between
The thing I love most is the feeling of getting someone back into their home. It could be using a bit of mica or a pin and cam, but when that door swings open and you see the relief on their face, they think I’m Superman. It’s a brilliant moment every time.
But there are things I don’t enjoy. Winter nights, for one. When it’s dark, pouring with rain, and you’ve still got three or four call-outs to do, it’s tough. Another frustration is haggling. I don’t mind people asking if I can do any cheaper or if this my best price, that’s fair enough. But when I’ve quoted a price, done the job quickly and professionally, and then they want money off because I was too efficient? That winds me up.
People forget that running a locksmith business isn’t just about turning up with a screwdriver. There’s the cost of stock, insurance, training, vehicles – the whole package. You can’t just be a locksmith; you’re a businessman too!
Competition & Camaraderie
In Essex, there’s plenty of competition, especially online and on Facebook. But I’ve found that not everyone has the same experience or professionalism.
What’s nice, though, is that two of my biggest competitors are also two of my best friends. We’ve got a great relationship. If I go on holiday, I transfer my phone to them, and they do the same for me. We scratch each other’s backs and look after each other. It’s friendly competition at its best.
Looking Ahead
Some weeks are quiet, others are non-stop. That’s the nature of locksmithing. I’d like to bring in a trainee in the future, maybe someone to handle calls in the office, help-out with stocking and pinning. That would free me up to focus on the work itself. Eventually, get another van on the road, who knows!
For now, I’m busy enough with what I’ve built, and I wouldn’t change it. The trade has given me freedom, satisfaction, and a career I actually love. I’m so glad I escaped financial advising and that office I hated; being a locksmith and running my own business is my happy place.
07515 313 738
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About Fairfax Locksmiths
Fairfax Locksmiths is a trusted, independent locksmith service covering Upminster, Hornchurch, and the surrounding areas. Founded by Steve Fairfax, a qualified Master Locksmith and member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), the business specialises in high-security locks, residential security upgrades, and emergency lockouts. With a strong focus on professionalism, reliability, and customer care, Fairfax Locksmiths provides tailored solutions to keep homes and businesses safe. From UPVC door repairs to master key systems and safe installations, clients can rely on Fairfax for expert advice and dependable service.