Worth checking out the local independent locksmiths who have often been squeezed out by the larger organisations like Timpsons..

They often can’t afford the subsidised rents in big shopping centres and in my town have been forced to close down or move to cheaper premises.

The staff are usually specialist locksmiths rather than Jack of all Trades Cobblers , engravers etc who have had a crash course in the trade !

Timpson is still a family owned firm and the old man has a regular interesting column in the Telegraph.....

and his son James has one in the Sunday Times. A fine example of a 'mittlestand' business.

Our Audi and Peugeot have traditional metal keys if the electrics fail. Cars which don't would be a significant con (in two senses) for me. Yet another example of motor industry creating a good chance of future expensive remedial activity. I well remember a couple's disbelief and then dismay at a Ford spare part counter when they realised the cost of a key replacement would relieve them of the best part of their old age pensions for that week.