Snap-on Tools is set to build on its success in 2007 by continuing to improve its franchise network. The company, which sells high-quality tools to mechanics, won the UK Franchisor of the Year award in 2007 against 700 other franchisors.

"There are no silver bullets to dramatically change the business - we have a proven and very successful model, which we continue to refine," said Aldo Rodi, Snap-on Tools' National Sales Manager. "We will carry on improving our franchisee network and improving the range of our products.

"We back up our regional branch teams with 210 people acting in a wide range of roles that give our 420 franchisees an excellent level of support. That's an extraordinary ratio of 2:1, which is almost unheard of in the franchise sector. It's a major reason why our franchisees are so successful and why a majority of them stay with us so long"