The Common Standards star-rating system has proved a hit with independent hotels a year after it was introduced, according to new research.

Research by purchasing consortium Beacon found 71% of its 2,000-plus members saw the harmonised system as a positive development.

The scheme, which established a common set of quality standards throughout the UK for the first time, found favour with 80% of Beacon’s Scottish members, compared with 64% in England and 65% in Wales.

Diana Webster, strategic head of sales and marketing at Beacon said: “It appears that most hospitality businesses feel it is preferable to the previous system as both patrons and business owners can now be clear about the standards.”

Around three-quarters (73%) of respondents to the survey would also like to see the system extended throughout Europe.

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By Alex Blakelock

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