Notice Board
Joanne: The Backbone of the Business
Joanne has been in business as long as I have. She handles the office, bookings, admin and she’ s brilliant at it. She’ s also the voice of reason when I’ m about to buy yet another machine. We’ ve been together 34 years and worked together for most of that time. That’ s not always easy, but it works because we trust each other completely.
We’ ve also got two tiny Shih Tzus, Boo and Poppet. They’ re our office dogs and completely obsessed with me, for reasons I still don’ t understand; even though they’ re around Joanne most of the time.
‘ My worst fear isn’ t competition. It’ s letting someone down. If I can’ t solve the problem, I won’ t charge. Simple as that.’
The Reality of Auto Work
I find every day is different and I love that. Simple car key fob? No problem. BMWs with modules, absolutely, and Land Rovers- love it! Then there’ s temperamental keys, BCM issues when batteries run low, transponder faults that send you down the wrong path entirely- I love it all!
You have to think. Properly rack your brains, but the satisfaction of solving it, of getting someone back on the road, when they thought it was impossible, that satisfaction is my fuel.
Also, with auto locksmithing there’ s no parking worries, which is a bonus.
Integrity Above Everything
My worst fear isn’ t competition. It’ s letting someone down. If I can’ t solve the problem, I won’ t charge. Simple as that. I’ d hate to overcharge someone or leave them worse off than when I arrived. You need a strong moral compass in this trade.
There’ s enough work for everyone. We’ re happy to pass jobs on and we get work passed to us. The industry works better when people help each other.
Andy Perrin of Brighton & Hove Locksmiths is a good friend of mine, and I have been teaching him some advanced car programming as he branches out. I believe in sharing knowledge.
What’ s Next: Training & One-Stop Auto Hub
We’ re not standing still, we plan to get a unit- somewhere we can work on three or four vehicles downstairs, real-life scenarios, real problems. Mobile work will continue, but the unit will allow us to offer training as well. Small class sizes. Proper hands-on learning.
I want it to be a one-stop shop for auto locksmithing. Bring your car, bring your van, or we come to you. Training, tools, even key covers- add a bit of bling, why not!
We love this industry and we just get on with it.
Still Loving the Trade
I love every aspect of this job. Every car is different. Every fault makes you think. That challenge is what keeps it interesting.
We’ re busy, we pay the bills, we get the holidays and we wake-up every morning excited to work. That’ s what makes it all worthwhile.
More information All Locked Up Safe is an auto locksmith business based in Chichester, specialising exclusively in automotive key replacement, programming, non-destructive vehicle entry, and advanced module and EEPROM work. Run by Paul and Joanne Hanscombe, the company serves motorists, car dealers, and garages across the region, covering approximately 95 % of vehicles on the road using state-of-the-art equipment and deep technical expertise.
www. alllockedupsafe. co. uk, 01243 967910, 07368160296, info @ alllockedupsafe. co. uk
FEBRUARY 2026
9
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk