He was presented with the runners-up trophy and HSBC’s cheque for £2,000 at a gala dinner held earlier this month at Birmingham’s Motorcycle Museum.

“I was delighted to be one of the finalists,” he said. “But receiving this award is a tremendous honour, not just for myself and my staff, but also as a representative of Snap-on Tools.”

Peter Harris left school at 16 to take up an apprenticeship in a garage restoring vintage cars, before moving to Rover, and career that had seemed secure. But he had always aspired to run his own business. When BMW pulled out of Rover his career began to look increasingly uncertain and he made a life-changing decision to invest in a franchise from Snap-on Tools, a leading manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users.

In fact he had originally approached Snap-on when he finished his apprenticeship, but was told that at 21 he was too young. Nearly a decade later Peter knew that he had the experience and the commitment to make the business work and took on a Snap-onTools franchise in Petersfield, Hants.

The theme for this year’s awards was `Managing Change`, a significant challenge for anyone involved in the automotive industry, with car repairs now requiring the ability to work with extremely complex computer-controlled engines.

“The key to success in this industry is staying ahead of the game, said Peter, 35. “Snap-on Tools are always future-proofing themselves; always at the front end of any new developments in technology. We pass that on to our customers so that they can stay in front.”

His franchise training, coupled with the research and development capabilities of Snap-on Tools, have allowed Peter to offer his customers the state-of the-art diagnostics equipment needed to fix modern cars, as well as the regular software updates required for each new vehicle model.

He also has the back up of a global corporation with one of the strongest brands in the marketplace.

Over the last five years Peter has expanded his business, and today, working with his wife Tracey, operates three franchise territories with the help of four employees. His current year turnover should exceed £750,000, while his future plans include further expansion and a fourth van.

Head of franchising at HSBC Cathryn Hayes said: “Peter Harris is an inspirational example of what can be achieved through commitment, hard work and making the most of a proven business formula. At HSBC we recognise the valuable contribution that franchises like Snap-on Tools make to the economy by creating local businesses, jobs and wealth.”

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “The judging panel for this year’s awards felt that the Snap-on Tools franchise stood out in particular because Peter and wife Tracey have shown how taking control of their own destiny through franchising has enabled them to build a highly successful expanding business.”

The bfa is the home of ethical franchising, with a membership base of 287 franchise brands covering 13 industry sectors. For more information visit www.thebfa.org.uk