Snap-on Tools Win British Franchisor Of The Year Award 2007

(Monday, May 28, 2007) - Snap-on Tools beat eight other top-flight finalists to win the gold title at the bfa's gala luncheon at the Savoy Hotel yesterday (Thursday, 24th May). The Awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, honour the franchise sector's annual £10 billion contribution to the UK economy.

In accepting the Franchisor of the Year Award, Snap-on Tools managing director Terry Barcham said: "This award is a tribute to our franchisee network and the dedicated efforts of all our sales management and ‘back-office' employees who have helped to make Snap-on Tools such a success.

"We've been a franchisor in the UK for 42 years now and we've seen a continuous improvement each year in all parts of our company. 2006 was a record year for us and we're already on target to beat that this year."

The Kettering-based company has rapidly expanded its products and services to keep pace with demand from the vehicle maintenance and repair sector for premier-quality tools and sophisticated diagnostic equipment as vehicles become increasingly complex.

Terry Barcham explains: "We know we have top quality products and are clear leaders in our market and that's because we focus on our service and we listen to what our customers are telling us."

That's why a year ago, Snap-on Tools invested heavily in a new training programme - TechEd - for customers as well as franchisees.

Terry Barcham explains: "The rapidly increasing complexity of cars is taxing the ability of technicians to keep up with the manufacturers' innovation and development. We responded to our customers' needs for more knowledge particularly in the areas of vehicle electronics"

Snap-on hired six diagnostic product specialists to train firstly the 415 franchisees across the country and then run seminars specifically for customers.

Terry Barcham says: "We've been amazed by the success of these courses with more than 3,000 customers across the UK improving their knowledge in diagnostics. They are thirsty for more information and we will be extending the curriculum this year."

Two more courses will follow the initial Advanced Engine On-Board Diagnostics programme.

"This was not a direct sales campaign but we have seen sales of diagnostic products rise by £2 million in just one year," Terry Barcham says.

Snap-on's responsiveness to market needs has also seen the launch of a new product range.

Aldo Rodi, UK Franchise and Marketing Manager explains: "Some categories of customers have been telling our franchisees that the price point in of some of our hand tool line was too high for them.

"We knew we were missing an opportunity here and so we introduced the Bluepoint Mid-Tier Range that sits with our existing heritage range. Since we launched in September last year, we have sold more than £1.5 million and seen a 15 per cent increase in our customer base.

"This has really boosted our franchisees' confidence. They know that they can build strong and long-term relationships with many more customers and they can trust Snap-on to constantly evolve and keep ahead of demand."

The Snap-on management team further boosts that confidence with 160,000 direct marketing flyers a month that their help their franchisees promote new products each week when they visit their customers. The flyers also promote monthly deals, services and industry news.

This strengthens the bond between dealers, customers and the Snap-on management team as they continue to grow on their market share.

Snap-on builds on this winning formula with high-profile sponsorship of Honda F1 Racing, Subaru World Rally, Repsol Honda MotoGP, and Honda British Superbikes

Terry Barcham says: "We are clear leaders in a fiercely competitive market because we listen to our customers and franchisees – and that helps us stay ahead in a constantly evolving business."

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