17 September 2021: While ongoing lockdowns continue to take their toll on Australian accommodation operators, Quest Apartment Hotels has received a noteworthy endorsement from Australia’s leading franchise business intelligence and information advisory business FRANdata, indicating a strong outlook for the global operator.
This week, it was confirmed that Quest has maintained its 5-star Australian Franchise Rating Scale score for a third successive year.
FRANdata Australia’s ratings system provides a consistent evaluation of Australian franchise systems. Ratings are allocated after an independent, fact-based assessment across seven key categories.
By maintaining the 5-star rating again in 2021, Quest had demonstrably upheld high levels of transparency and franchise performance in the previous year, despite what Quest’s General Manager of Franchise Operations Mr David Ridgeway concedes has been an incredibly challenging period for the sector.
“Quest was awarded Australia’s first ever 5-star rating on the Australian Franchise Rating Scale in 2019 and again in 2020, making this the third consecutive year we have received the endorsement. After what has been an incredibly tough time for our sector globally, we could not be prouder of this accomplishment, which confirms we are on track with our vision to be recognised as the preferred franchising provider, with a sustained track record of success.
“Quest’s business format franchise model continues to prove its efficacy more than thirty years in. Our framework provides owners with the tools, guidance, and confidence to run a successful business, even during challenging times like those we are currently experiencing, while always making corporate stay effortless for guests, which is our core purpose as an accommodation provider”.
FRANdata’s Australian CEO Darryn McAuliffe commented: “Quest Apartment Hotels achieved an excellent result in a highly challenging trading environment. Not surprisingly, events of the last 18 months have adversely impacted both the franchisor and the franchise network. However, the longer-term averages (on which much of the ratings model is based) and the forward outlook all remain very positive. We have previously recognised the internal data collection and reporting capabilities of the group and these continue to enable the effective monitoring of franchise performance and early warning signs where additional support may be warranted. Quest Apartment Hotels has also maintained its strong commitment to the measurement and ongoing monitoring of franchisee satisfaction. These factors coupled with a disciplined recruitment program have contributed strongly to a very low churn rate across the network”.
McAuliffe went on to say he expected “ongoing interest in Quest Apartment Hotels from the lending community given a Bank Credit Report and Franchise Underwriting Report would also be available to lenders in the coming weeks”.
Initial and renewed rating assessment outcomes from the Australian Franchise Rating Scale™ are being delivered now to participating franchise systems and recorded on The Australian Franchise Registry™.
Mr Ridgeway said that Quest Apartment Hotels looks forward to welcoming many new franchisees into the network over the coming years, with 16 new properties set to open by 2023 across Australia and New Zealand, in addition to bold growth aspirations in the United Kingdom.
“As franchisor, we remain agile and committed to brand, product and service innovation, with significant work in the wings which will further the success of our business network into the future. We look forward to inviting new franchises into the network over the coming years with many new properties pipelined”.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Madeleine Maher - PR & Partnerships Manager
Level 21, 390 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
E: mmaher@questapartments.com.au
Tel: +61 3 8699 1500 Mob: +61 439 002 693
www.questapartments.com.au
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