Notice Board
ADVANCED KEYS : AN AUTO- LOCKSMITH WITH A FEMALE TRIO BEHIND THE WHEEL
We were delighted to catch-up with Kim Stanier , managing director , at Advanced Keys in Birmingham , to find out who is behind-the-wheel at this upand-coming wholesale trade auto-locksmith business with the mission of “ All Grow Together ”.
» ADVANCED KEYS IS A MIDLANDSbased supplier of wholesale replacement car keys , key fobs , remotes and transponders to independent auto locksmiths and garages . Originally set up to supply the UK trade market , Advanced Keys has progressed to selling products to locksmiths and technicians worldwide .
Who is behind the wheel ? Kim Stanier , managing director , has worked there since 2005 and commented : “ Our team consists of three women . The industry is notoriously male-dominated , so we ’ re proud to be one of a few pioneering female-led businesses now in the trade . It wasn ’ t always a female trio , the company was actually formed by Greg Chambers in year 2003 , who designed our original key programming tool The Diagnostic Box TDB1000 . I am actually joined by Greg ’ s sister Sharon Kesterton aka ‘ the organiser ’ who heads up customer service . The third lady is Amanda Rathbone aka ‘ Mrs Calm ’ parts specialist . Greg is now a silent director , although we do listen to him sometimes as he supports with The Diagnostic Box products and associated technology .”
What makes an all-female management team work ?
“ It helps that we all share the same values and standards . We find the female instinct really helps with looking after customers , we know how to support and nurture them . Nurture by nature .”
How was 2023 ?
When asked to sum up what kind of year 2023 had been for Advanced Keys , Kim said : “ 2023 was a mixed year and was unpredictable , with every month being different ; we had good and bad ones .
Overall , it was a good year . One trend we noticed was that locksmiths seemed to be buying stock when they needed it , instead of keeping stock . In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis we appreciate this is a sensible strategy . We are small and flexible so can adapt to changing customer needs .”
What would you say are you USPs ?
“ We are very proud of our extensive range of keys and parts , as well as our knowledge and the friendly and flexible service we offer . We want our customers ’ businesses to grow and we will do everything we can to support them . Customer service is really important to us , and a job done right first time .”
What ’ s happening in 2024 ?
“ We are always adding to our product range , it ’ s the nature of the autolocksmith trade ! Every new car that comes out adds another remote control to our range . We have launched a new website that is easier to use and has a ‘ find a key ’ feature . Customers can enter the car make , model and year , and it narrows down the search results to find exactly what they need . We don ’ t do a hardcopy catalogue anymore - searching online is just quicker and easier , and we help to save the trees .”
New Key Box Loyalty Scheme initiative
“ We will be launching a loyalty scheme this year ( KeyBox ) which will entitle customers spending over a certain amount with us exclusive access to special offers , extra technical support and free training . We want to get closer to our customers and help them to thrive .”
Advanced Keys is a UK-based supplier of wholesale car keys , key fobs , remotes and transponders to the trade , worldwide .
Created in 2003 , Advanced Keys Limited was set up to provide automotive locksmiths with wholesale car keys , key fobs , remotes and transponders directly rather than from the vehicle manufacturer . Originally set up to supply the UK trade market , Advanced Keys has progressed to selling products to locksmiths and technicians worldwide .
Advanced Keys offers a comprehensive range of original wholesale car keys , remote controls and transponders ( chips ) along with aftermarket keys , which work with a range of key programming systems including the TDB1000 distributed by ourselves in the UK .
With large stocks of competitively priced wholesale car keys , transponders and remote controls , the locksmith can order the required parts and program them to the customer ’ s vehicle without delay , providing a fast and costeffective service .
www . advanced-keys . co . uk Tel : 0121 749 5210 info @ advanced-keys . co . uk
FEBRUARY 2024
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