ABUS UK and 1st Call Lock and Key Shop celebrate decade-long partnership

Established back in 2004, 1st Call Lock and Key Shop has expanded its presence in the industry over the past 20 years. Since beginning its direct partnership with ABUS a decade later, the business has placed a strong emphasis on product knowledge, structured training and the consistent application of technical expertise across its team.

As part of the latest phase, 1st Call Lock and Key Shop’s team members participated in dedicated pinning training, alongside in-depth instruction on the ABUS 83 Series, in turn helping to strengthen both hands-on capability and familiarity with key product ranges.

The training programme includes participation from across 1st Call Lock and Key Shop, with attendees representing technical, managerial, administrative and trainee roles (including the first female benching apprentice). This cross-team involvement supports knowledge sharing and helps to ensure consistent standards throughout the business.

Shared values

Joshua Kambo, managing director of 1st Call Lock and Key Shop, observed: “Our partnership with ABUS UK is built on shared values of technical excellence, product integrity and consistent service delivery. As a business specialising in security products, ironmongery and fire door installations, it’s critical we work with manufacturers we can trust. ABUS UK provides world-leading products backed up by deep technical knowledge, which allows us to confidently specify and deliver fully compliant solutions across all projects. This relationship not only supports our continued growth within the industry, but also strengthens the diversity and capability of our team.”

The involvement of trainee bench locksmith Serena Killeen highlights the increasing participation of women in the trade and reflects broader efforts by both organisations to support a more inclusive and accessible industry. By creating opportunities for new talent to learn alongside experienced professionals, the partnership helps build a more diverse and sustainable skills pipeline, while also encouraging the sharing of knowledge across different experience levels.

Killeen explained: “I enjoy developing my skills in the master keying department at 1st Call Lock and Key Shop as a trainee in this industry and learning more about the industry each day, while representing the contribution we can make. Working with partners like ABUS UK allows me to gain hands-on experience and continues to build my confidence. It helps to feel supported and treated equally. I would encourage more women to consider a practical and rewarding career path such as this one.”

Range of perspectives 

The approach adopted brings together a range of perspectives and expertise across the partnership. In an industry shaped by evolving technologies and changing customer requirements, ongoing training plays a key role in maintaining technical standards and ensuring that teams remain aligned in terms of both knowledge and practice.

Colston Hendy, technical sales manager at ABUS UK, concluded: “Our long-term partnership with 1st Call 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 the team. It’s also encouraging to see new talent, including Serena, progressing within our industry as diversity and inclusion are essential when it comes to innovation and long-term progress.”

*Further information is available online at www.abus.com/uk and www.lockandkeyshop.co.uk