AUTO LOCKSMITHS
Secure in the Knowledge
How Van Secure and Van Guard are working together to raise the bar in van security – with solutions built for the trade, by the trade.
» VAN SECURE, BASED IN SEVENOAKS, is a specialist in van security systems for both individual tradespeople and large national fleets. Their expertise spans mechanical installations like hook deadlocks and door shields, and although they are capable of fitting advanced electrical systems, their true focus lies in mechanical security— where they believe the most meaningful protection for tradespeople is found.
What sets VanSecure apart isn’ t just their technical know-how— it’ s the way they operate. From the start, the business has built a strong reputation on tailored service, high-quality installations, and long-term supplier relationships that enable continuous improvement. One of the most valuable of these relationships is with Van Guard, a fellow UK-based company whose product range and engineering mindset align closely with VanSecure’ s own.
VanSecure was officially founded in 2017, but its roots go much deeper. The Assender family has been in the locksmithing trade for three generations— starting when Ben Assender’ s grandfather cut keys for bikes. The family business evolved under Ben’ s father into a successful commercial and domestic locksmith and mail-order key company. Ben’ s brother continues in that line today, while Ben himself setup alongside the family business; venturing into auto locksmithing in 2009, and eventually leading to the formation of Van Secure with his wife Jemma.
Today, the company is run by Ben and Jemma, with a close-knit team of eight. That includes four experienced engineers on the road, a fabricator in their CNC-equipped workshop, and an Operations Coordinator who ensures scheduling runs smoothly and equipment reaches the right place at the right time.
While the company’ s leadership brings valuable engineering and systems experience, VanSecure’ s success is firmly rooted in a team approach and shared values— with an ethos of continual improvement, collaboration, and integrity running through the business. That applies not just internally, but in how VanSecure chooses who to work with externally, too.
Supplier success story
VanSecure’ s relationship with Van Guard is an example of how a close partnership can raise standards across the board. As Ben puts it, this isn’ t just about getting stock on time— it’ s about working with a manufacturer that listens to real-world feedback, understands the
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JULY 2025
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