Notice Board to suppliers. You’ re trying to find the best prices, reliable stock, and quick delivery- all while learning the business. It takes time to narrow that down, you try different suppliers, see who delivers on time, who’ s consistent, and who you can rely on when you need something urgently. That’ s a big part of running smoothly day to day.
Marketing: A Whole New Challenge
If the operational side was one learning curve, marketing was another entirely. Google Ads is a minefield. You can spend money very quickly without seeing results if you don’ t know what you’ re doing.
I launched a new website for GDM and looked into ads, Google was recommending £ 40 a day. I’ ve scaled it back to around £ 20 a day for now, just to test and learn. I’ ve also worked with The Directory Guys to improve my Google presence, especially getting properly set up on Google My Business and Google Maps.
The bigger challenge has been transitioning from the old business name to GDM AutoKeys. Fife Autokeys had an established local presence, but I wanted something that could grow beyond that and feel more national.
That takes time. You’ re effectively rebuilding your online identity while still running the business day to day.
The Nature of the Work
One thing that surprised me was how different the customer base is compared to working in a garage. In the garage, you see the same people year after year for regular servicing and repeat business. In this line of work, it’ s completely different, there are so many people losing keys every single day. It’ s constant. People lock keys in boots while shopping, lose them out walking, it’ s unpredictable.
One job that sticks with me was rescuing a woman who’ d lost her keys in a field about an hour away. She had two dogs with her and was completely stuck. I managed to get her sorted, and she left a really nice review afterward. Those are the jobs that stay with you.
Tackling Modern Vehicles Like everyone in the trade, Gary is adapting to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles.
BMWs have been a challenge. I’ ve invested in new equipment and started doing more of them, including Minis. You’ re dealing with modules like FEM units, taking them out and working on the bench. There’ s no room for error, if you damage something like that, it’ s expensive.
It’ s a different level of work compared to basic key cutting, but it’ s where the industry is heading. Electric vehicles are becoming more common too, Nissan, Hyundai, models like the Ioniq. You have to keep up with that side of things.
Pricing Pressures & Industry Concerns
The rise of national firms advertising across the UK is something Gary has noticed. These companies can charge what they like. They’ ve got massive marketing budgets and dominate search results. It makes it harder for independent locksmiths to compete on visibility, even if the service is better. That ties into a bigger concern about the industry.
Locksmithing needs regulating. At the moment, anyone can go on a course and start advertising straight away, and that’ s worrying.
With systems like SERMI coming in, there’ s hope that things will tighten up a bit and bring more structure and credibility to the trade.
Looking Ahead
Right now, the focus is on stability and growth. The first couple of years are about getting your head around running the business properly.
Longer term, I might look at adding another van, but it’ s still early days. I want to make sure everything is running smoothly before expanding. There’ s also ongoing work with local body shops and garages, which provides a steady stream of jobs alongside the general public work.
www. gdmautokeys. com, 07726 012 000, gary @ gdmautokeys. co. uk
More info GDM AutoKeys provides professional, friendly, and reliable auto locksmith services across Central Scotland. Founded by Gary Millar after taking over an established business in 2024, the company combines advanced key cutting and programming with in-depth mechanical diagnostics. This unique blend of skills allows GDM AutoKeys to go beyond standard locksmith services, accurately identifying underlying vehicle issues and delivering effective solutions.
MAY 2026
13
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk