The new base will be located in the Philippines, and comes as a result of internal analysis into the “500,000… student journeys” the firm has managed. For example, a statement released by UniQuest declares that Behavioural Insights team saw a “108% year-on-year increase in Live Chats from prospective international students”.

“The Asia Pacific regional hub will enable us to deliver tailored follow-the-sun support across all channels at all times”

This was seen as an indication that real-time support is becoming an expectation rather than a luxury, and informed the decision to send staff to the region.

Pressing home the UniQuest USP of “student success… driven by personal interactions”, co-founder and MD, Rachel Fletcher, said that having a presence in the regions students are coming from will be key to improving the firm’s offerings.

“We believe that student engagement is driven by human, personal interactions. In tandem with our UK operations, the Asia Pacific regional hub will enable us to deliver tailored follow-the-sun support across all channels at all times for the half-a-million and growing number of students we support from every region.”

Currently based in Sydney, it is understood that Andrew Mills will remain in Australia to head up strategic and operational management strands of the APAC hub, travelling to the Philippines as needed.

The hub will open on April 9 2018, though Mills has already begun his role, The PIE understands.