For over a decade, a powerful alliance between ABUS, a global leader in security technology, and 1st Call Lock and Key Shop (LKS) has been shaping the landscape of the security and construction sector. This enduring partnership, celebrated for its continuity, technical development, and shared commitment to excellence, underscores a profound professional relationship built on trust and innovation.
Established in 2004, LKS has steadily expanded its footprint over two decades. Since formalizing its direct partnership with ABUS in 2014, the company has consistently prioritized deep product knowledge, structured training, and the meticulous application of technical expertise across its entire team.
Investing in Expertise: Advanced Training for a Modern Workforce
The latest phase of this collaboration saw LKS team members immerse themselves in intensive training programs. These sessions included dedicated pinning training alongside comprehensive instruction on the renowned ABUS 83 series, significantly enhancing hands-on capabilities and familiarity with critical product ranges.
Notably, this robust training program saw participation from across LKS, encompassing technical specialists, managerial staff, administrative personnel, and even new trainees. This cross-departmental engagement fosters a culture of shared knowledge and ensures a consistent, high standard of service throughout the business. A significant highlight was the involvement of LKS’s first female benching apprentice, signaling a welcome shift towards greater diversity within the trade.
Joshua Kambo, Managing Director of Lock and Key Shop, elaborated on the core principles driving their success: “Our partnership with ABUS UK is built on shared values of technical excellence, product integrity, and consistent service delivery. As a business specializing in security products, ironmongery, and fire door installations, it is critical we work with manufacturers we can trust. ABUS provides world-leading products backed by deep technical knowledge, which allows us to confidently specify and deliver fully compliant solutions across all our projects. This relationship not only supports our continued growth within the industry but also strengthens the diversity and capability of our team.”
Championing Diversity: New Talent and Inclusivity in Focus
The inclusion of trainee bench-locksmith Serena Killeen in the training initiatives underscores the growing participation of women in the trade. This reflects a concerted effort by both ABUS and LKS to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible industry. By creating vital opportunities for new talent to learn alongside seasoned professionals, the partnership actively contributes to a diverse and sustainable skills pipeline, while also promoting invaluable knowledge exchange across all experience levels.
Serena Killeen, an LKS Bench Locksmithing Trainee, shared her positive experience: “I enjoy developing my skills in the master keying department at LKS, learning more about the industry each day as a trainee and representing the contribution we can make. Working with partners like ABUS allows me to gain hands-on experience and continues to build my confidence. It helps to feel supported and treated equally, and I would encourage more women to consider a practical and rewarding career path.”
This holistic approach enriches the partnership by integrating a wide array of perspectives and expertise. In an industry continually reshaped by evolving technologies and dynamic customer requirements, ongoing training is paramount to maintaining high technical standards and ensuring teams remain perfectly aligned in both knowledge and practical application.
Colston Hendy, Technical Sales Manager at ABUS, concluded: “Our long-term partnership with Lock and Key Shop is built on a shared understanding and a consistent approach to collaboration. This allows us to maintain high technical standards while supporting the continued development of their team. It is also encouraging to see new talent, including Serena, progressing within our industry, as diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and long-term progress.”