Snap-on is celebrating having not one but two finalists in the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards 2016.

Topping both ends of the scale and proving that the franchise really has no limits, 57 year old Peter Eccles is a finalist for ‘Olderpreneur of the Year’ award whilst 27 year old Luke Hodgson will be battling it out for the ‘Young Franchisee of the Year’ award.

Snap-on’s franchisees are no strangers to the prestigious awards. Richard Swayne also won Young Franchisee of the Year in 2015 highlighting how Snap-on’s programme of development and support is empowering young and old to achieve great things.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be a finalist! I’ve had some personal hardships to overcome there’s no denying it but I’ve got my dream business, I’m carrying on my dad’s legacy and providing for my family’s future. What’s not to love? I love Snap-on and being a franchisee so to be up for an award for it is just a cherry on top!” enthuses Luke.

Both men are award-winning, top performers in the Snap-on network for their regions. Not to mention being mentors and brand ambassadors. Luke has achieved staggering growth, expanding into three territories in under five years. By pioneering a new UK recruitment method, Peter has directly influenced over £1.6m in sales into the network in 2015 alone.

“We’re delighted for both Luke and Peter, they’re shining examples of how with hard work and dedication, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. We’re proud to have them as part of the Snap-on family and in our eyes, they’re already winners!” says Lisa Law, National Franchise Manager.

The coveted bfa Franchisee of the Year awards are the highest industry accolade any franchisee can achieve. A panel of specialist judges oversee hundreds of entries from businesses spanning all industries and sectors. Finalists are the very cream of the cop. Franchisees who demonstrate consistent, exceptional performance and whose passion and determination to succeed set them apart from the crowd.

Winners will be announced at a lavish black tie dinner followed by an evening ceremony taking place in October.

“Finding out that I was a finalist was a very proud moment. I don’t do it for the recognition, I do it because it’s something that I love. For me, success means more than just earning lots of money and having a great lifestyle – it’s about helping others to achieve that too along the way. I’m honoured to make a difference and add value, to my own business and the Snap-on franchise as a whole” Peter Eccles