The Locksmith Journal May-Jun 2017 - Issue 50 | Page 28

28 • A DAY IN THE LIFE ...
PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE

Life after the Military

Ravenwood Solutions Ltd provides an advanced and fast evolving private security service , based in Hampshire for services throughout Southampton , Hampshire , Berkshire and beyond .
»»
RAVENWOOD LOCKSMITHS Ltd is a part of Ravenwood Solutions Ltd and is an accredited security locksmith company . Established in 2009 , the company was founded by former military specialists with over 40 years ’ experience in the security industry . The company has specialised in non-destructive entry both on commercial and domestic buildings and vehicle lockouts .
Operations Director , Jay Benhow , has over 20 years ’ experience within the security industry , serving with specialist military units including intelligence and Special Forces both domestically and overseas . Jay currently holds a degree in Criminology from the Southampton Solent University and began a MSc in London before deploying overseas in 2009 . In this article for The Locksmith Journal , he talks about life after the military …
“ During my time in the military , I saw service in N . Ireland in the early 90s , Bosnia in 95 and then three tours in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2013 .
“ I served a total of 17 years . Seven years with a county infantry regiment and a further ten years with Military Intelligence . During my service , I was fortunate enough to work in some interesting areas , operating with not only British forces but foreign military units , from learning Pashto during my time in Afghan to understanding Kenyan culture in Africa .
“ On my return from my last tour of Afghan , which had been particularly difficult , I decided that looking for alternative avenues of employment would be my next task . In early 2015 , I was offered a role working in Iraq for a global energy company . It was during this time that friends and family began noticing changes in my behaviour and during my nine months of working in Iraq I finally left . Very soon after that I resigned from the military completely .
“ Nine months ago I was diagnosed with complex PTSD , I was burnt out . I knew that Iraq wouldn ’ t last forever and , during the last months , I began looking at Locksmithing as a future career . In November 2016 , I completed my locksmith qualifications and began the task of building a small business and becoming selfemployed .
“ I started my CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ) with a NHS funded veterans centre close to my home with a session a week . I began some subcontracting work and building my client list , writing business plans and familiarising myself with all the kit and equipment necessary to do the job . I still struggle with PICK GUNS !
“ I am now a qualified locksmith operating a successful small
‘ I am now a qualified locksmith operating a successful small business ’
business . If it wasn ’ t for an advert in a military publication I potentially wouldn ’ t have even considered a career in Locksmithing . Locksmithing has given me a future . I still have off days but it soon disappears when you ’ re gaining entry for someone locked out and you haven ’ t damaged anything . I now run two small companies , a security consultancy and a locksmith company .
“ I am still in therapy and this is likely to continue for some time . To help others , I founded a small charity called ‘ Boots on the Ground ’. This is a veteran ’ s support services charity helping individuals leaving the military . If you are reading this , soon to become exmilitary and you are considering a career in locksmithing and you want some advice , please get in touch .”
Email forwardassist @ bootsonthegrounduk . org or visit www . bootsonthegrounduk . org
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | MAY / JUN 2017 Sponsored by Insafe International