Radio code and spare key

I was helping a mate today (the one with the clicky hazard relay) and he was asking me about getting a new spare key.

AFAIK its a case of getting a blank cut, then recoded to the immobiliser. What's the best place to get this done? I assume the key can be coded using vcds?

Also, in the process of removing the airbag, we disconnected the battery. Now the radio says "safe" when its turned on, and is asking for a code. He seems to recall that in the past after a while its "sorted itself out" on its own. This seems odd to me, does he need to get the code from SUK?

Thanks,

Martin