ABUS and 1st Call Lock and Key Shop (LKS) have been working closely together for more than 10 years, emphasizing continuity, technical growth, and shared standards in the security and construction industries.
Founded in 2004, LKS has significantly broadened its footprint in the sector over the last 20 years. The partnership with ABUS, initiated in 2014, has been marked by a focus on enriching product knowledge, structured training sessions, and the uniform application of technical skills by its staff.
Key Product Ranges and Training
In the recent phase of their collaboration, LKS team members took part in specialized pinning training and comprehensive lessons on the ABUS 83 series. This training aimed to improve both practical skills and understanding of essential product lines, reinforcing the team’s capabilities.
The training program welcomed participants from every department, including technical, managerial, administrative, and trainee positions, such as the first female benching apprentice. This collaborative involvement promotes knowledge exchange and ensures consistent standards are upheld across the company.
Focus on Fire Door Installations
Joshua Kambo, Managing Director of Lock and Key Shop, emphasized, “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.”
The apprentice program, spotlighted by Serena Killeen’s involvement, signifies growing female participation in traditionally male-dominated roles and highlights efforts by both organizations to foster a more inclusive and approachable industry. The partnership creates avenues for new talent to learn alongside seasoned professionals, promoting a varied and sustainable pipeline of skills while encouraging the exchange of insights across different experience levels.
Adapting to Changing Customer Needs
This collaborative approach integrates various viewpoints and expertise across the partnership
Serena Killeen, an LKS Bench Locksmithing Trainee, shared her perspective: “I enjoy developing my skills in the master keying department at LKS, as a trainee in this industry and learning more about the industry each day, whilst 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 collaborative approach integrates various viewpoints and expertise across the partnership. In a sector driven by advancing technologies and shifting customer needs, continuous education is crucial for maintaining technical standards and ensuring that teams stay aligned in both knowledge and practice.
Maintaining High Technical Standards
Colston Hendy, Technical Sales Manager at ABUS, reflected on the partnership: “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.”
