About KBO
A Legacy of Security & Trust
OUR HISTORY:
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders
The Early Years
The story of KBO begins in 1972, when Kevin Berry started his career as a locksmith in a local locksmith shop in Woking, Surrey. As a dedicated and skilled professional, he quickly progressed through the ranks, working for various security businesses and gaining valuable experience in the trade.
Before the rise of the internet and social media, word of mouth was the key to success. Through outstanding service and a commitment to security, KBO became a well-established name in the industry, trusted by homeowners and businesses alike.
The Birth of KBO
Determined to build something of his own, Kevin and Ann-Marie founded KBO, opening their first shop in Aldershot, where we still proudly operate today. From the outset, their focus was on providing trusted locksmith services to the local community, ensuring quality, reliability, and exceptional customer care.
What Does KBO Stand For?
A question we’re often asked is “What does KBO actually stand for?” Many people assume it’s something to do with Kevin Berry’s initials, but the truth is far more fitting for what we do.
KBO stands for Keep Burglars Out
That’s right—our name reflects our core mission: keeping homes and businesses safe and secure by providing expert locksmith and security solutions. They say you learn something new every day, and now you know the true meaning behind KBO!
Growth & Expansion
In 1990, Ann-Marie balanced motherhood with running the business, reducing her working hours after welcoming their third child while still playing a key role in its success.
With Kevin leading the business contributing to its development, KBO grew stronger, expanding its reach and services. At the same time, Lance Harding joined the team, who after 35 years is still with us today!
As the years passed, KBO evolved into a true family business. In 2004, their eldest son, Christopher, joined the company, followed by Lee and Stefan in 2006. With the next generation involved, the business gained a stronger personal touch, increased dedication, and a renewed drive to become the most trusted security firm in the area.
KBO Today: A Multi-Faceted Security Powerhouse
Fast forward nearly 20 years, and KBO has grown beyond a single locksmith shop into a leading security provider with:
- Four dedicated premises, including two offices, a retail shop, and a state-of-the-art showroom.
- Two specialized companies: KBO Lock & Safe Ltd and KBO Fire & Security Ltd.
- A team of over 60 skilled professionals.
- A fleet of 30+ service vehicles, allowing us to serve a wide range of clients efficiently.
From a small family-run locksmith shop in Aldershot to an industry leader, the journey of KBO is a testament to hard work, expertise, and a relentless commitment to security.
Why KBO?
- Over 35 years of experience in the security industry.
- Family values and personal service combined with cutting-edge security solutions.
- A reputation built on trust, quality, and professionalism.
- Comprehensive security services for homes and businesses alike.
Looking to the Future
While KBO has grown significantly, our core mission remains the same: providing expert locksmith & security services while maintaining the personal touch that has always set us apart.
