Young local businessman shortlisted for national award
Craig Bishop, owner of Snap-on Tools in North Dorset, is celebrating after being shortlisted for a national business award. Hand-picked by a panel of judges, the young entrepreneur is now in the running to win the title of the British Franchise Association’s ‘Young Franchisee of the Year’.
“To be a finalist is fantastic. I don’t come from a family of business owners and I didn’t have a background in the tool trade. My success is down to sheer hard work and the fact that I love what I do! I give it my all and all I know is, it’s really paying off.”
In the latest bfa Natwest survey, it was reported that franchising contributed over £17billion to the UK economy in 2018. Sponsored by HSBC, the awards recognise the very best franchised businesses in the country, celebrating consistent growth, innovation and exceptional customer service. Craig ticked all the boxes!
Craig launched his franchise in 2017 at just 30 years old, after a career working as a marine electrician. Since then, he’s gone from strength-to-strength, building a business that he, and his customers love. From his custom-built Snap-on mobile store, Craig sells the most sought-after tools in the industry and delivers outstanding customer service to technicians across North Dorset.
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association said: “Craig’s dedication and driven approach is very impressive. He wants to be the best and is hungry for success… and the results since starting the franchise speak for themselves.”
One of the judges, Head of Franchising at HSBC, Andrew Brattesani, said he was impressed by Craig’s achievements in the last year and also commended his recent internal award win with Snap-on: “Craig has really hit the ground running. His tireless energy has really helped spark life into his franchise, hence he is currently the top performing new franchisee!”
Thanks to his drive and determination to succeed, Craig was named best Newcomer in the UK by global franchise giant, Snap-on Tools, at their annual conference in January. He’s now got his sights set firmly on future growth and plans to bring in girlfriend, Amy, to run the business alongside him.
Winners of the HSBC bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards 2019 will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony that will take place at The VOX, in Birmingham, in June. Craig says that, whilst winning would be an amazing achievement, he’s already thrilled to have gotten this far!
“I’m over the moon to have been shortlisted for such a big award. It’s really humbling to have been chosen as a finalist from hundreds of other business owners across the country. I work hard and always try to put my customers first so being recognised this way means a lot,”
For more information about Snap-on Tools, visit www.snaponfranchise.co.uk.
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Editors notes:
For more information, please contact Kelly Ayres on kelly@revpr.co.uk or call 07895 876745
Image attached: Craig with his Snap-on mobile store
Images available: Craig receiving his Best Newcomer award at the Snap-on National Conference 2019.