Women in Locksmithing: Interview with Natasha Pugh of APECS

With over a decade of experience in the locksmith industry, Natasha Pugh, Sales Director at APECS Ltd has seen the UK security landscape evolve firsthand.

In this interview, she shares her insights on changing industry demographics, overcoming business challenges along with first hadn advice for women considering a career in locksmithing.

Your background and how you got into locksmithing

After leaving my job in advertising, I moved back to London and, in 2013, started my career in the locksmith industry with Duffells. I was in my early twenties, and it couldn’t have been a better place to begin. I learnt so much during my time there, worked alongside some fantastic people, and made friendships that have lasted to this day. Looking back, it was a brilliant company to start my journey with, and I had a lot of fun working at Duffells.

In 2016, I moved to Manchester and joined Aldridge Security as an Area Sales Representative, covering the North and the Midlands. I later relocated back to London, where I continued working on the road. Those years were invaluable. I loved getting out to see customers, building relationships, and meeting so many interesting people. It confirmed very quickly that customer-facing sales was exactly where I wanted to be.

In 2019, I joined APECS, where I’ve happily remained ever since. It has been an incredible journey watching the business grow from strength to strength, and I feel genuinely proud to have played a part in that growth. Seeing how the company has evolved over the years and knowing I’ve contributed to that success has been hugely rewarding.

Looking back over the past 13 years, it’s the people who have made the biggest impact. The locksmith industry is full of knowledgeable, passionate and supportive people, and I’ve been fortunate to build some amazing relationships with customers, colleagues and friends along the way. I genuinely love this industry, and I feel incredibly lucky to be doing a job that I enjoy every single day.

Have you seen more women entering the industry over the years?

I definitely think more women are coming into the industry, and it’s fantastic to see. When I completed my MLA locksmith course in 2021, I was one of only two women on the course, which at the time felt quite unusual. Since then, I’ve met so many incredible women who have joined the locksmith industry in a variety of roles, and I genuinely believe that number will continue to grow.

Times are changing, and I think people are recognising that this isn’t just a male industry. There are so many different opportunities within it, and there’s no reason why anyone, regardless of gender, can’t build a successful career here.

Any challenges you’ve faced along the way

Like anyone in business, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges over the years. We’ve all experienced COVID, lockdowns, quieter trading periods, periods of change within the business and, more recently, even online criticism. Every challenge teaches you something.

One thing I’ve always believed is that being open, honest and true to yourself is incredibly important, whether that’s with your customers or your employer. Building trust and strong relationships has always been at the heart of everything I do.

I’m also very fortunate to work for APECS. Throughout every challenge, I’ve had the support of an incredible boss, Nik, and the wider APECS team. Having strong leadership and a company that believes in you makes a huge difference.

What have you enjoyed most about working in the industry?

I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely love exhibitions, especially MLA Expo! There is nothing better than catching up with so many of our wonderful customers, meeting new people coming into the industry, and seeing familiar faces all under one roof. It’s not to be missed!

I also really enjoy helping people who are new to the industry. If I can offer advice or point someone in the right direction, I’m always happy to do so.

More than anything, I love that the locksmith industry feels like one big family. The relationships I’ve built over the past 13 years are incredibly important to me, and I genuinely enjoy being out on the road, spending time with customers and hearing their positive feedback about our products. Seeing customers succeed and knowing we’ve played a small part in that is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in locksmithing?

Go for it! My biggest piece of advice would be to build relationships and make connections with other locksmiths. One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that the locksmiths who support one another, share knowledge and even pass work between each other are often the ones who do the best.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved and put yourself out there. This industry is full of knowledgeable, welcoming people who are always willing to help.

Once you’re part of the locksmith industry, you’re part of a community. It’s a fantastic industry to work in, and I honestly don’t think you’ll regret it.