38 • industrynewS
PROUD SPONSORS
OF THIS PAGE
AA Lock
& Key’s
successful
combination
In these days of tedious automated
calls to overseas call centres, just
what do consumers want when
they contact a locksmith?
C
M
»»For a start, ideally
they want to be able to check
out an up to date, userfriendly website to find the
info they want, then to be
able to talk to a real person,
a trusted professional who
understands their needs, who
can provide the right solution
and advice, and who is able
to respond swiftly. They also
want someone they can rely
upon for quality products
from reputable suppliers that
will do the job – but that are
competitively priced and
guaranteed.
Having industry
accreditation is another bonus,
as is local knowledge and – in
a fast-changing industry - the
assurance that the locksmith
is up to speed with the latest
products and developments.
Being fully mobile is clearly
crucial.
It is a combination of
all these factors that has
helped Craig Andres build
up his Downton, Bristol
based business, AA Lock
& Key, which from 2008
has been offering a 24
hour comprehensive,
Stanley Security [FILLER 1].pdf 1
mobile locksmith service
covering both residential
and commercial properties.
AA Lock & Key has the
full range of services from
emergency lock-picking to
lock snap protection, lock
fitting, lock and PVCu lock
repair, key cutting etc. All
locks are covered by a 12
month warranty and a 90 day
guarantee on workmanship.
An increasing amount
of work comes from PVCu
repair. “There is a phenomenal
demand in the PVCu sector, so
I have made a point of being
at the top of my game in that
area,” Craig says.
At just 28, Craig – who
passed his MLA exams at the
age of 17 – is fully conversant
with today’s technology
and uses every possible
marketing device to promote
the business he launched
nearly six years ago. While
some locksmiths pay little
attention to social media, Craig
has reaped a lot of business
from recommendations on
Facebook and boasts good
reviews on both Google and
Yell.com
07/04/2015 17:15:28
‘There is a phenomenal demand
in the PVCu sector – so I stay
top of my game in that area’
His spotless transport is
state of the art too, customdesigned by Craig and
superbl y equipped with every
conceivable piece of kit, down
to a Honda generator and
every refinement to take the
additional weight and the latest
satnav to help ensure he can get
to any job, 24/7.
“The ethos behind my
business is to be the best I can
be in every respect,” he says.
“This is a highly competitive
business so it is crucial to keep
your name up front. It takes a
lot of effort but it is worth it. You
have to keep your name out
there or you could sink without
trace. I don’t plan to do that!”
Craig regularly gets work
from other locksmiths who
trust him not to let them
down.
Any work on safes he
entrusts to a valued contact in
Gloucester, whom he knows
is totally experienced in that
specialised field.
Craig is obviously doing
something right, having just hit
the 3,000 invoice mark!
Up to date knowledge
of the latest products and
developments in the industry
is vital so Craig and his Dad,
John, who is also his right
hand man, regularly keep up
by attending seminars and
trade exhibitions.
For added peace of mind,
Craig and John are CRB
Checked and the business is a
Master Locksmiths Association
approved company.
aalockandkey@blueyonder.
co.uk
Y
CM
MY
An exceptional partnership
AVAILABLE FROM MAY 11TH
THROUGH OUR PARTNER
CY
CMY
K
locksmithjournal.co.uk | mar/apr 2015
Sponsored by STANLEY Security
Locks and security to the trade