Women in Locksmithing: Michelle Saunders of Codelocks on Breaking Barriers and Building Careers

Affiliate partners are a big part of what makes the MLA community work—bringing together companies like Codelocks and locksmiths across the UK. As MLA Expo 2025 Gala Dinner sponsors, Codelocks aren’t just supporting the biggest event in our calendar—they’re backing the industry as a whole.

One person who really brings that to life is Michelle Saunders. With over 30 years in the trade, she’s a familiar face to many—whether at MLA HQ or out at regional meetings, delivering brilliant hands-on training. We always enjoy seeing Michelle and value the energy, experience, and good humour she brings every time.

As part of our ongoing Women in Locksmithing series, we caught up with Michelle to hear more about her journey—from early days in sales to becoming a key player at Codelocks. She’s helped break down barriers in the locksmith industry and continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. We can’t wait to welcome her back again soon—and of course, see her at EXPO!

Tell us a bit about you and your background

I’m a Northern Lass from a little Victorian seaside town and growing up with three siblings meant there was never a dull moment! We were always up to something—whether it was digging holes on the beach to bury our little sister (all in good fun!) or playing cricket with my two brothers on the local sports field.

Now, I’m based in South Yorkshire, and when I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out walking in the countryside, getting my hands dirty in the garden, or doing a bit of yoga. I also chair a community group for architectural ironmongers and enjoy being part of a local ladies’ social group.

How did you begin your career within the locksmithing industry? 

I kicked off my career in the locksmithing industry over 30 years ago as a sales office junior at Colin & Sons Locks in Southport. I started learning the ropes of the lock and key world, and after about 15 years working in internal sales, I made the jump to ‘On the Road’ Sales with HOPPE.

In 2015, I joined Codelocks, and since then, I’ve been growing my career and deepening my knowledge—especially through the GAI and CPD.

More recently, I’ve been really focused on driving Codelocks’ ‘On The Road Locks’ training packages, which has been a great new challenge.

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What was your biggest challenge starting out in the industry?

One of the biggest challenges I faced when I started out in the industry was being a female in a predominantly male-dominated field.

At the time, many roles for women were seen as purely administrative, with little recognition for technical expertise or influence. It was clear that, whether I realised it at the time or not, I had to work much harder to be taken seriously. The stereotype was a constant barrier. But rather than giving in to it, I made the conscious decision to push through with determination, proving that I was just as capable and knowledgeable as my peers.

Over the years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much the industry has evolved, and I’m proud to have played my part in helping break down those barriers.

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

What I enjoy most about my job is definitely the people in the industry. Over the years, I’ve built many strong friendships and lasting professional relationships, which have made the work even more rewarding. Second to that, I appreciate that the industry is always evolving, so there’s always something new to learn and ways to grow.

That constant opportunity to expand my knowledge and stay ahead of the curve keeps things exciting.

Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in the locksmithing industry?

As a woman in the locksmithing industry, one of the most significant challenges has been proving my technical capabilities in a field where women are still a minority. It requires a lot of commitment, determination, and often doing the groundwork behind the scenes.

I’ve had numerous occasions where I’ve arrived at a site visit with my PPE and toolbox, only to be greeted by surprised faces, as many were expecting a man to show up instead of a woman. These moments could have been disheartening, but I saw them as opportunities to challenge stereotypes.

The real reward comes when I’m able to not only solve the problem at hand but also break down those myths that women aren’t as practical or technically skilled as their male counterparts.

Over time, these experiences have only made me more determined to prove that women can be just as hands-on and knowledgeable in the industry.

What advice do you have for other women who are considering a career in locksmithing?

Go for it! The barriers that once existed in the workplace are fewer than ever, and if you’re looking to carve out your own niche in an industry that’s constantly evolving and pushing boundaries, locksmithing and ironmongery is an excellent path to choose.

With determination and passion, there’s nothing stopping you from succeeding and making your mark.

How has being an affiliate member of the Master Locksmith Association helped you and your business?

Being an affiliate member of the Master Locksmiths Association has been incredibly valuable for me.

The Association is a well-respected professional body that connects some of the best people in the industry, including locksmiths, engineers, trainers, and manufacturers.

The biannual Expo events in particular provide a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange experiences, and learn new skills. The support I’ve gained from being part of the Association has been incredibly helpful, allowing me to expand my knowledge and grow professionally.

It’s also been a great way to stay connected with industry trends while promoting high standards of professionalism.

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Are there any memorable success stories from your time in the industry?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a diverse range of experiences over my 30-plus years in the industry. It’s hard to choose just one highlight, but looking back, everything has been a valuable part of my journey.

I still remember the early days, when I was learning the basics of locksmithing, like the difference between a lever and cylinder mechanism.

It feels like a lifetime ago, but those foundational moments shaped everything that came after. Now, being able to share my knowledge and experience with colleagues during training sessions is truly an honour.

To see the next generation of professionals learning and growing, knowing that I’ve had a small part in that, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. The journey from learning to teaching has been incredibly fulfilling, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.

More interviews with locksmiths

To find out more about Codelocks, visit their website

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