From the outset, ABODUS Student Living has become known for its compassionate, diligent, and hard-working approach to its delivery and processes. Despite its relatively small size, it has cultivated a strong position on the greater market, often outpacing much larger competitors. Recently, ABODUS achieved ‘Gold Operator’ GSL status for 2023, adding to an already impressive track record of surpassing industry average NPS scores among being consecutively awarded NSHS, GSL, and RESI Awards over the last couple of years. This recognition, then, is just the latest accolade in an extended award-winning period for ABODUS and its team. Perhaps surprisingly, the company saw extraordinary success and opportunity during the COVID pandemic. At a time where many were struggling to adapt to that uncertain landscape, ABODUS took a moment to showcase its expertise and distance its operations from any peers and competitors, as Kate explains. “We migrated our events programme to online, with a renewed focus on wellbeing, health, and reassurance. In advance of COVID restrictions lifting, we listened to key concerns on missing out on sociability of university years and launched our ‘Make Up for Lost Time’ campaign. We offered eight-week-long extensions on tenancies, and an opportunity to spend a summer ‘Stay-Cay’ at another of ABODUS accommodation for free. Inclusive of a VIP programme of events, the approach resulted in higher retention, referrals, engagement, onsite occupancy, reducing complaints and welfare cases.” With the pandemic out of the way, ABODUS has shifted gears to focus on lessening the strains caused by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, as Kate continues. “Offering all bills included fixed rent; if for any reason there is a delay in receiving a student loan, a deferred payment date can be arranged. We offer upgraded wi-fi, saving £15 per student, and where feasible, free summer storage between tenancies. Considering future careers during times of economic uncertainty can be a cause of anxiety for residents; we work exclusively with PaperRound, a marketplace for small businesses to access student resource and expertise. Offering professional development, many have found paid work and will prosper throughout the cost-of-living crisis.” Therein lies the crux of ABODUS’ efforts to distinguish itself in an industry in its established practices. By operating under an ethical and clientcentric ethos, the company has quickly gained momentum to become a de facto choice for many. Abodus have recently embarked upon a full systems overhaul, reviewing all prop-tech to streamline delivery, evolve and improve resident/stakeholder reporting and forge new best practices alongside creating efficient front and back of house allowing teams to focus on high value tasks. “ABODUS’ founders, supported by a senior team of five executive directors, three of whom are women, operate a portfolio of 5,155 beds across 19 buildings in 10 cities and 2 countries as of October 2023.” The founders have instilled a culture of continuous improvement and development within the company, with many in the team collecting additional accreditations and skills during their tenure at ABODUS, as Kate goes on to say, “Our training and compliance manager recently became a certified trainer, accredited to provide onsite training in health and safety, first aid, mental health first aid, fire safety, safeguarding, and manual handling. Our vision is to develop an accredited course for the PBSA industry, dedicated to customer wellbeing, having been the first accommodation provider with certified inhouse training”. “As well as this we have recently seen one of our operations managers recently awarded Unsung Hero of the Year Award at the Property Week 2023 Awards as well as our Director of Operations was recently shortlisted and made finalist for Woman of the Year at the IWIP Awards”. These staff accolades really do show the industry prowess of Abodus’ team. This, alongside strategic expansion in key markets, remain a key goal for ABODUS Student Living as it moves to the end of the year and beyond, with Kate concluding that, “ABODUS is always looking for continual growth into further living sectors.” There are many reasons to be impressed with this company as it continues its path towards constant betterment in an industry that sorely needs pacesetters – ABODUS Student Living is sure to reinforce its lauded position in the year to come. Company: Abodus Student Living Name: Kate Stephenson Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.abodusstudents.com Telephone: 0191 4840110 Founded in 2015, ABODUS Student Living (ABODUS) is a vertically integrated investment, asset, development, operational, and facilities manager. From its establishment to challenge the status quo, ABODUS has continued to disrupt the industry towards better practices and client-centric services. We spoke with the company’s Kate Stephenson – Interim Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, to find out more on the back of its recognition in the awards programme. Best Student Accommodation Specialists 2023 - North East “Moving to pure green electric, with 100% source from solar, wind, and hydro, over 50% of properties are renewable energy guaranteed, reporting zero emissions for electricity.”
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