Paul Constantinou, chairman of the franchise network Quest Serviced Apartments, has won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award for Services — Southern Region. Constantinou (far left), was one of six regional category winners honoured at an awards ceremony at the Grand Hyatt mid July and he will now compete in the national awards program.

John Hope, Oceania managing partner — markets, Ernst & Young, said, “The winner for the Services category noticed a gap in customer delivery in a mature, competitive and saturated market. Setting out to fill the market gap, today they run a unique, innovative business model that has facilitated the successful growth of the brand throughout Australia and overseas.”

The first Quest property opened in Victoria more than 20 years ago. The company has since grown to become the largest serviced apartment group in Australasia, with more than 120 properties across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Constantinou said, “I am absolutely thrilled at winning this award. ItÕs not just recognition of my own efforts over many years, but of the hard work and persistence of the employees, franchisees, investors and suppliers who have been involved with Quest.

“Our loyal customers, who have continued to support the brand, have also played a massive part in this win,” he said.