For the ninth consecutive year, Snap-on Tools has been crowned the UK’s number one automotive franchise in the HSBC Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) awards. The tool giant was also named a finalist in the Community Builder of the Year award.
The EF100, proudly sponsored by HSBC UK has become a benchmark for excellence in franchising. Each year, franchisors from almost every sector across the UK are assessed on criteria including business growth, innovation, franchisee support and community impact. As the number one automotive brand and placing 4th overall for 2026, Snap-on sits firmly among the nation’s most successful and inspiring franchisors for the year ahead.
Founded in 2017, the EF100 continues to celebrate the dedication and progress of brands that are helping shape the future of the UK franchise sector. Competition remains fierce, with a panel of expert judges applying rigorous standards and recognising brands that demonstrate both resilience and creativity.
Anita Roberts, Franchise Director at HSBC UK, commented, “Once again, the standard of the entries highlights how dynamic and determined UK franchising continues to be. The adaptability and innovation shown by brands in challenging conditions are truly impressive.”
The Community Builder of the Year award recognises brands which not only excel across all eight EF100 criteria points but also stand out for the exceptional impact they make in their respective communities. From a national partnership with Prostate Cancer UK aimed at raising funds and awareness to a global veteran’s programme, Snap-on Tools was commended for going above and beyond to make a real difference.
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.
Lee Bateman, Regional Franchise Manager at Snap-on Tools, said, “We’re absolutely delighted to have been named among the UK’s top five franchises for 2026. It’s a huge achievement that reflects the dedication of our network and the trust our franchisees and customers place in us. To see Snap-on consistently sustaining success, year after year, is incredibly rewarding.”
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.
For more information about how Snap-on and how you too can become part of the UK’s number one van-based and automotive franchise, visit www.snaponfranchise.co.uk.
