Meet Lee Mccran —
Your Local Car Key Specialist
Lee is a fully insured, SERMI certified mobile auto locksmith based in Pendlebury, Swinton — serving Greater Manchester during opening hours. He programmes and cuts car keys on-site for any vehicle, from emergency lockouts to complex all-keys-lost jobs on modern vehicles.
Who is Lee Mccran — Manchester Auto Locksmith
MCR Car Key Solutions is a fully owner-operated mobile auto locksmith business run personally by Lee Mccran, based in Pendlebury, Swinton in Greater Manchester. There are no subcontractors, no call centres, and no handoffs — every call is answered by Lee, and every job is attended by Lee.
Lee started his automotive career as an NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualified motor vehicle technician, developing deep practical knowledge of vehicle systems before specialising in auto locksmith work. He went on to achieve ATA Advanced Diagnostics and Programming accreditation — an independent, industry-recognised assessment of practical competence beyond the basic qualification level.
Recognising the rapid shift in post-2019 vehicle security requirements, Lee completed the SERMI certification process — the European scheme that requires identity verification, background checks, and proof of technical competence before access to manufacturer key security data is granted. Without SERMI, a locksmith legally cannot programme keys on most modern vehicles. Lee holds this certification. Learn about SERMI →
"I started MCR Car Key Solutions because Manchester drivers deserved better — a properly qualified, fairly priced local locksmith who answers the phone himself and arrives in 30 minutes. Not a national network. Not a call centre. Just honest, professional work."
— Lee Mccran, MCR Car Key SolutionsToday Lee carries advanced diagnostic equipment — the same platform used by main dealers — alongside a precision on-board key cutting machine. Every job is quoted at a fixed price before attending, with no call-out fee and no surprises. Lee is also fully insured as a professional mobile auto locksmith.
Lee's Qualifications as a Manchester Auto Locksmith
Every qualification is active, independently verified, and directly relevant to the car key programming and locksmith services Lee carries out daily across Greater Manchester.
National Vocational Qualification at both Level 2 and Level 3 in motor vehicle technology — covering vehicle systems, diagnostics, and repair. The foundational UK qualification for professional automotive work.
UK Recognised QualificationATA at Advanced level — an independent industry assessment of diagnostics and programming competence. ATA verifies practical knowledge and skill beyond the basic NVQ level, covering live vehicle diagnostic systems.
Industry AccreditationThe SERMI accreditation is required by European vehicle manufacturers to legally access security data for car key programming on post-2019 vehicles. Issued after identity verification and background checks. Most locksmiths do not hold this.
Post-2019 Vehicle AccessThe same dealer-grade diagnostic platform used by main dealer service centres — key programming, ECU coding, immobiliser reset, and PIN/CS code reading. Covers all major makes including BMW, VW Group, Mercedes, Ford, Toyota hybrids, and commercial vans.
Dealer-Grade EquipmentLee carries full professional liability insurance as a mobile auto locksmith. All work is carried out on-site at your vehicle. Cover details are available on request when you call 07506074590.
Professionally InsuredLee's van carries an on-board precision key cutting machine for all profiles — including high-security laser-cut keys. Keys can be cut from an existing original, traced from the lock cylinder, or generated by code. No workshop trip needed.
On-Site Key CuttingWhat is SERMI Certification — and Why Does Your Locksmith Need It?
SERMI (Security-Related Motor vehicle Repair information) is the European standard that governs access to vehicle security data. Since 2019, most major vehicle manufacturers — including BMW, Volkswagen Group, Mercedes, Ford, Renault, Toyota, and Vauxhall — have moved car key programming for new models behind a SERMI access gate.
This means that only SERMI-accredited technicians can legally obtain the security credentials needed to programme a replacement key on a supported post-2019 vehicle — regardless of what diagnostic equipment they carry. A locksmith without SERMI certification will arrive, connect their equipment, and then discover they cannot access the immobiliser system.
Lee holds full SERMI certification, granted after completion of the identity verification and background check process required by the scheme. When you call Lee for a modern vehicle, you're calling someone who can actually complete the job.
Grants access to manufacturer security data for supported modern vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards.
European vehicle manufacturers require SERMI accreditation before releasing immobiliser codes. This is a legal requirement, not a preference.
SERMI accreditation involves a full identity and background check process to verify the technician's legitimacy before access is granted.
SERMI access combined with advanced diagnostic equipment means car key programming is completed on-site at your vehicle — no dealer appointment needed.
Further reading: SERMI scheme overview (sermi.eu) ↗
Lee Mccran vs Main Dealer — Car Key Replacement
Same SERMI certification, same quality result — fraction of the cost and wait time.
| 🔑 Lee Mccran MCR Car Key Solutions | 🏢 Main Dealer | |
|---|---|---|
| Response time | 30 min average | Days to weeks |
| Service location | On-site at your vehicle | Workshop visit required |
| Price | Fixed price, upfront | Often significantly higher |
| Availability | Mon–Fri 7am–10pm; Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–5pm (UK time) | Business hours only |
| SERMI certified | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Call-out fee | No call-out fee | Often applies |
| Van & commercial | ✓ All makes | Brand-specific only |
| All-keys-lost | ✓ Same day | Long wait, high cost |
| Fully insured | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Auto Locksmith Services Lee Provides in Manchester
All services are mobile — Lee comes to your vehicle. No workshop. No tow truck. Same day.
Need a Car Key in Manchester?
Call Lee Directly.
Manchester's fully insured, SERMI certified mobile auto locksmith. Available during the opening hours shown below. 30-minute average response. No call-out fee.