As eager as they come, Alex Caterov reached out to TLJ to share his incredible journey. Determined to become self-employed and build a thriving business for his family’s future, Alex searched for the right franchise opportunity. When he found LockFit, he seized the chance—and he hasn’t looked back since…
Finding a Franchise
Last year in April, I made the leap into locksmithing after previously working as a construction manager. My wife and I were applying for a mortgage, but we weren’t earning enough to qualify. I started looking for a business opportunity with a £10K investment, and that’s when I came across Andy Moore speaking about LockFit. The franchise model caught my attention—I liked the idea of having more freedom and control over my work.
Getting Busy
From the very first month, I was busy and doing well. It was incredibly rewarding, and as my business grew, I reinvested in more territories. I now own four—two are mine outright, and two are in partnership. My areas cover North and West London, where I handle a mix of jobs for estate agents, private customers, and clients through LockFit’s partnerships with companies like Cadent Gas and British Gas.
My Plans
I work alone at the moment, but my goal is to expand as much as possible by getting more vans, branding, and eventually hiring locksmiths to work for me. I have no plans to go independent—being part of LockFit has been a huge advantage, and the support from Kevin Russell is incredible. No matter the time, even 2am, he always answers the phone. Having that backup, plus our locksmith WhatsApp group, makes a big difference.
I also recommended Bogdan Ionescu to LockFit—he started in October last year covering Kensington, Chelsea, Richmond and Twickenham postcodes, and he’s doing great. I even got a £250 referral fee for bringing him in!
London Life & Always a Funny Tale to Tell
London is a very busy market with a lot of competition. Traffic is crazy, and getting from job to job can be hectic, so I prefer working nights and weekends when it’s quieter. One of my funniest jobs was for Cadent Gas—I got there in 20 minutes for an emergency call-out, but no one answered the door. Eventually, I picked the lock and found a woman asleep inside—turns out she was deaf, and her faulty boiler had triggered the alarm. Her neighbour had called it in, thinking she was in trouble. She was shocked but relieved, and we had a good laugh about it.
Marketing & Product Preferences
For marketing, I use LockFit’s system along with Checkatrade and TrustATrader, where I have individual memberships. The work is a mix of lockouts, lock-ins, broken handles, failed UPVC mechanisms, gearboxes, night latches, and boarding-up services. I also install high-security Ultion cylinders, which customers love for their cost-effectiveness and security.
Loving Life
I really haven’t looked back since becoming a locksmith, I love the buzz that comes with helping people out of difficult situations. From day one, I have felt like I’ve hit the ground running, and my business has been a fast-growing success. Now, with four territories under my belt and big plans, I intend to carry on working hard and hopefully continue to reap the rewards.
I’ve been living in the UK for 14 years with my beautiful wife, two kids, and our dog—a Dalmatian, Beagle, and American Bulldog mix. He even comes on jobs with me sometimes.
Advice to New Locksmiths
My advice to new locksmiths? Go for it! Work as hard as you can, always answer your phone, don’t be lazy, and do a good job. If you’re committed, this business can be incredibly rewarding.
www.lockfit.co.uk/hackney-locksmith/
07860 174741