Snap-on Tools has been named the number one franchise opportunity in the UK for 2025 for the third consecutive year. The automotive tool franchise has topped the polls in the annual HSBC Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100), fighting off competition from hundreds of other industry leaders to secure first place. This is the fourth time Snap-on has taken pole position in the prestigious list having also held the title throughout 2020, 2023 and 2024.
Since its launch in 2017, the EF100, in association with HSBC, has become synonymous with recognising and honouring excellence in franchising, spotlighting businesses that set the standard for innovation, resilience and success. Judged by a panel of 24 specialist, independent judges, it recognises franchising’s brightest businesses and ranks them according to a broad range of criteria; from financial performance and heritage to contribution to the community and the way they embrace innovation – all components of the franchise package facing detailed scrutiny.
“This is our fourth number one ranking in the EF100 – and this year’s win marks our third consecutive year in the top spot. But the success of the Snap-on franchise doesn’t belong to any one person: it’s the result of everyone’s collaboration, common ambition and genuine drive to be the very best – be they franchisee, associate, field support, product development, senior management or MD!” said Byron Miltz, UK Managing Director for Snap-on Tools.
This is the ninth consecutive year that Snap-on has ranked in the top ten of all the franchise brands polled in the UK. With a surprisingly low entry point, Snap-on franchisees get a whole lot of bang for their buck. As well as the obvious training programmes, brand awareness and, in Snap-on’s case, colossal support structure, franchisees become a part of a 360-degree product and service business. Globally, the brand invests millions into research and development to manufacture, innovate and supply the best tools on the market.
“We are all incredibly proud to have been recognised by so many industry experts as the UK’s number one franchise – again! We truly embody our vision ‘to create an environment in sustainable growth is constantly being achieved’ thanks to the dedication of hundreds of people across the entire country. Excitingly, even though we’ve just had one of our most successful years to date, the next 12-18 months are set to be history in the making!” adds Byron. And it’s clear the judges agree.
“This spirit of determination and creativity not only drives the evolution of the franchising industry but sets new benchmarks for excellence. It’s a testament to the strong mindset and the unwavering commitment to progress that defines the British franchising community.” Anita Roberts, Franchise Director at HSBC UK.
Founded in the US in 1920 and launched in the UK in 1965, Snap-on proudly boasts over 100 years in the tool trade. With a proven business model that has been refined in the UK for 60 years, Snap-on has long-since earned a reputation as ‘the best in the business’. Today, the tool giant has hundreds of franchisees operating territories in the UK and Ireland, and globally the franchise network is made up of more than 4,500 franchises.
At Snap-on, there’s no such thing as a ‘man in a van’ – when you become a franchisee, you become part of a team. Snap-on offers support and guidance that can help you achieve your goals, that’s why its motto is: in business for yourself but never by yourself.
