- Association of British Introduction Agencies

Guide to Dating and Dating Agencies
Foreword
by
Heather Heber-Percy
Chair of the ABIA
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Choosing your agency
You’ll find this guide to ABIA member agencies laid out alphabetically.
But you’ll quickly notice that they all offer services that are different and some may suit you better than others. Please
note that some of these services - such as bespoke memberships or singles events - are not covered by the ABIA
Code of Practice.
ABIA members are traditional (off-line) dating agencies, whose strengths lie in the face-to-face contact and the
degree of personal service intrinsic in that model.
As well as service, location is also important in your choice of dating agency, since the membership base of each will
be concentrated in the area(s) they specifically target.
As with any directory, circumstances change and it’s advisable to check the ABIA website - www.abia.org.uk - or,
preferably, with agencies themselves, for their current details, terms, conditions and services before signing up.
Key
Location
The location address is the (head) office of the agency. Agency membership will often be distributed across a wide area.
Prices
Prices are shown including vat (unless otherwise indicated) but are subject to change and you should always check with
the agency directly.
ABIA-registered Dating Agencies as at March 2016
Across the Room
Doves Barn Stowmarket Road Badley Suffolk IP9 8RJ
Tel: 01449 722800 / 700 / 333
www.acrosstheroom.co.uk
Across the Room is a specialist Introduction Agency offering
an exclusive, discreet service to find perfect partners and
soul mates for our discerning and selective members. We
provide the opportunity to find friendship, love and romance
with carefully selected members matched for compatibility.
We have cultivated a careful, step by step approach to
understanding you and an in-depth insight into finding a
partner who is visually appealing and mentally stimulating.
Confidential and successful, this personal service is perfect
for busy people who feel that life of late has become all work
and no play. This is now your opportunity to address the
balance.
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Computer Comparison,
Headhunting Services, Events
1991
Essex, Herts, Cambs, Norfolk,
Suffolk and London
28 - 70
Silver £175.00; Gold Star from
£425.00
1 year
2006
Image advice, Personal
assistant at events if requested
No
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
African Caribbean Partners
83 South Road Southall Middlesex UB1 1SQ Tel: 0208 574
3990
www.africancaribbeanpartners.co.uk
Personal introduction service, providing one-to-one
introduction meetings or personal contact information for
direct contact. Unlimited introductions. Professional and nonprofessional African and Caribbean to African and
Caribbean and African and Caribbean to non-African and
non-Caribbean. African Caribbean Partners is the trading
Name for Cupid (Worldwide) Limited
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Affinity London
3rd Floor 207 Regent Street London W1B 3HH
Telephone: 020 8832 9030
www.affinitylondon.co.uk
Affinity was founded in 1999 to provide a select introduction
service for professional, executive, creative and business
people throughout the South of England. Since then we have
created over 20,000 matches resulting in countless
permanent relationships and many marriages.
We work with our clients in complete confidentiality to
provide a personal matching service tailored to your
requirements. We offer three levels of service, ranging from
our Standard matching with our own members, through
Premium with priority matching to new joiners, to Affinity
Focus – our top level of service. At the Standard and
Premium levels we offer unlimited matches, with guaranteed
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services, Events
1999
London and South East,
Europe (Focus only)
40-99
Standard: £850, Premium:
£1,150, Focus: £1,650,
International: £1900
Standard: 1 Year, Premium,
Focus & International 2 Years
(all with on hold facilities)
2012
Specialist Portrait and Studio
Photography
No
Personal Introductions
2010
UK
18 - 70
£50 Joining Fee - £295 Annual
Membership Fee (Pearl
Service) - £495 Annual
Membership Fee (Diamond
Service) - no further costs.
12 months or minimum six
introductions (whichever lasts
longer)
2010
No
Attractive Professionals
MWB Business Exchange 4 Redheughs Rigg Edinburgh
EH12 9DQ
Telephone: Edinburgh: 0131 338 6112 London: 0207 183
7037 Midlands: 0121 285 2727 Leeds: 0113 320 1113
www.attractiveprofessionals.co.uk
Attractive Professionals is a nationwide introduction service
for sincere, single professional people seeking a partner,
with its Head Office in Edinburgh. We also have offices in
London, Birmingham and Leeds. Our clients are all
professionals or in business, are located throughout the UK
and are aged between 30 and mid 70s.
Our Service
Having been involved in UK dating since 1979, we were
aware that some single people wanted a little more than a
run-of-the-mill dating agency. That they would like a more
personal, focused and individual service where they would
be much more likely to meet the right sort of partner.
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Personal Introductions
2003
UK
30 - mid 60s
£1,295 plus £55 monthly
As long as the monthly fees
are paid
2011
None
What do your clothes say about you?
The Art Of Grooming by Sue Donnelly
Anyone who owns a horse or a long haired cat or dog will understand the importance of grooming. A
well-kept, glossy coat and clean claws can completely transform an animal from a straggly, unkempt
one.
Most of us realise, at some level, that we need to look presentable when meeting other people.
The essentials including a daily shower, washing hair, brushing, wearing clean, pressed clothes are
mandatory, so I won’t waste time mentioning them. Instead, I will cover some of the basics that you
might have overlooked.
Gentlemen
Dirty fingernails will not make up for a designer outfit.
Facial hair, such as a full beard, can be a bit of a ‘turn off’ for some women, so keep it trimmed and
neat if you want to sport one.
Nose hairs – I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been riveted to a man’s nose rather than to what he is saying. Please, guys, check
in a mirror every day and remove any strays. This also applies to bushy hair growth in the ears and in the eyebrows. Note – it
is also very ageing!
Don’t over-do the aftershave. It can overpower rather than seduce.
Keep jewellery to a minimum. A watch and perhaps a ring. Earrings in men don’t look great, neither do chunky bracelets or
lots of metal chains around the neck.
Ladies
Dirty fingernails will not make up for a designer outfit. The trend these days is to have finger nails that look natural. So keep
the vampy red for your toes and select a french polish instead.
Makeup – some of you will prefer a natural, no makeup look and this is fine for some occasions. A more formal occasion,
such as a black tie dinner, requires you to look as if you’ve made an effort. Makeup is crucial, even if it’s kept to a minimum.
Conversely, too much makeup is an instant turn off for men, so if it looks like you can scrape it off, utilise the ‘less is more’
approach.
Lipstick on your teeth. A common occurrence when you’re trying hard to look smart. To prevent this happening, blot
lipstick with a tissue and then reapply a top coat. If you’re still unsure, try this as a way to remove any excess – insert your
index finger into your mouth. Close your lips around it as if you were drinking with a straw. Keeping your lips in the same
position, slowly withdraw your finger. All excess will be on your finger and not on your lips.
Don’t over-do the perfume. It can overpower rather than seduce.
Hair – does your hair look like it’s been cared for or are you a wash’n’go type of gal. Is the style appropriate for the occasion?
Does it flatter your face? Are your roots showing? Men like to think they can run their fingers through your hair, so get rid
of old split ends and have it professionally cared for.
Don’t over-do your cleavage. Mystery is more enticing than your entire bustline on show.
Shoes. Flat shoes aren’t great as an enticement tool. Think heels and let your legs look amazing. Pick a small heel if you’re
not used to walking in them.
Keep jewellery balanced. Long, dangly earrings should make a statement so you don’t need the matching necklace and
bracelet as well. In fact, if you have a matching ‘set’, never wear them all together. It cheapens them.
Shoes and handbags should never match exactly. Pick up colour combinations but don’t buy a ‘set’ as it’s very dated.
Both
Is your outfit past its sell by date? Shiny or bobbled material or scruffy shoes scream ‘not bothered’.
Are you up to date? This does not necessarily mean trendy, but outdated clothes create an image that the wearer is not keeping
up with current thinking. This applies to spectacles too.
Do you smoke? If so, make sure you take mints and clean your teeth properly. There’s nothing worse than bad breath.
Lastly, check for ‘polish’. Are your shoes clean? Any loose buttons or threads? Do you feel restricted or comfortable? Do
your clothes suit you? Are they appropriate?
Tick all the boxes? Then go and enjoy yourself.
Sue Donnelly is a style and image consultant who provides one-to-one coaching
and workshops for individuals and groups - and is retained image coach for
RSVP. She is a respected and prolific author on the subject and President of
The Federation of Image Consultants.Visit www.accentuate.me.uk.
Same gender matching
No
Berkeley International | London office
The ABIA code of practice applies to the following office only.
23 Berkeley Square London W1J 6HE
Tel: +44 (0)207 665 6651
www.berkeley-international.com
Berkeley International is well-established and highly
regarded company offering an exclusive matchmaking
service to successful, professional people.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services
1998
UK/Worldwide
20 - 80
From £12,000 inc vat (where
applicable)
12 months
2008
Relationship Psychology and
Image consultancy available
No
Caroline Crowther
Tamarisk House Round Oak Road Cheddar Somerset BS27
3BN
Tel: 01934 744788 or 01934 712900
www.carolinecrowther.com
Business and Professional People
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions, The
'Lists' Method, Headhunting
Services
1995
West Midlands, Cotswolds and
the West Country
45+
(1) Rendezvous Listing £100,
(2) Rendezvous Personal £395,
(3) Principal £675, (4)
Executive £875, (5)
Ambassador from £2500 One
year (Head hunting service - all
UK)
Flexible as necessary
2001
No
County Register
Nationwide (£10,000 or £6,000 plus Vat). Another
service,The Portfolio Connection Service £2000 plus Vat) is
made up of people from all walks of life and includes
members from all over the UK, this service allows you to
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Drawing Down the Moon
46 Manchester Street London W1U 7LS
Tel: 0207 224 1001
www.drawingdownthemoon.co.uk
Drawing Down the Moon Personal Matchmaking My name's
Mary Balfour and with my team of matchmakers and head
hunters I've been finding soul mates for high calibre people
for the last 30 years. Founded in a Bloomsbury bookshop in
the early 80s, Drawing Down the Moon was the very first
personal matchmaking and introduction agency in the UK.
75% of our clients approach us because we've already
successfully matched their friends and relations. They know
that our experienced consultants and network of attractive,
interviewed and ID-checked matches will meet their high
expectations. Do phone us any day up till 11pm for more
details and perhaps to book an informal, free and no...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Grove Park Studios 188- 192 Sutton Court Road London W4
3HR
Tel: +44 (0)20 8994 8222 / 3500
www.thecountyregister.com
County Register (includes all counties) The County Register
Ltd means people from all counties within the UK may join
and people from mainland Europe if they are prepared to
meet people in the UK. Heather Heber-Percy established
Country Partners in 1984 and is the Founder/Director of The
County Register Ltd. She is presently Chair of the
Association of British Introduction Agencies. The County
Register Ltd runs a Specialist Headhunting Service
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services
1984
UK & Worldwide
30 - 80
3 levels - £2,000, £6,000 and
£10,000. No further costs.
15 months, 12 months or 18
months plus freeze facility
1985
Mentoring
Yes
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services
1984
Mainly London and South East
England and also further afield
in the UK and internationally
with our global headhunting
network.
25 - 70+
From £6,000 incl. VAT for 6
month memberships and
£9,000 incl. VAT for 12 month
memberships.
6 months to 12 months
1989
Relationship advice and
consultancy. Coaching &
advice on all types of dating,
from matchmaking through to
utilizing the internet, either face
to face or on Skype. Dating
tips, webinars and downloads,
videos, seminars and events.
Presentation and styling
No
Elan London
Dating Safely
The Essential Guide for Men and Women by Jacqui Hames
In the 18th century, the world of romance was so different – women held the balance of power. If a man wanted to woo the lady of
his dreams, he had to visit her house, listen to her play the piano (no matter how excruciating), watch her do needlework, and read
to her – all under the watchful eye of a chaperone. The woman would then decide if she wanted him to visit again, and she could
choose who could take her to balls and dinners, based on his eligibility and prospects intensely examined by her parents. Obviously
if a man didn’t want to visit her or take her out she was a bit stuck, but if she was a reasonably attractive proposition, physically or
financially, then she was in the driving seat.
Courting progressed to dating as, by the early 20th Century, women started to experience life outside the home. They wanted their
wooing to take place in private, away from the prying eye of a watchful parent. The balance of power began to shift as men took
control in the relationship by paying for the dinners and theatre tickets, and social protocols and strict moral frameworks within
society dictated how a relationship should be conducted.
Gradually with a society less prepared to be prying and judgemental about the details of a private relationship (unless you’re a
celebrity of course), we have become reliant on our basic instincts and intuition to judge how suitable a person is to become a
partner for life. Along with a few helpful pieces of advice from friends and family.
Unfortunately these new found freedoms have come at a cost, and not just the risk of a broken heart. People
looking for love are often too prepared to open up and trust someone they’ve just met, or even spoken to
only briefly, for fear of jeopardising the potential of a happy future together, and the result is often far more
damaging than a bruised ego. Physical assault is probably what women fear most, but theft of your worldly
goods and most prized possessions is a more common outcome for both sexes. There are plenty of men and
women out there ready to take advantage of a lonely heart to line their pockets, and a very small number of
men are looking for something a lot more sinister.
But no-one wants to enter into a potentially life changing new relationship worrying about whether they’re
going to be ripped off, and scrabbling up the greasy career pole limits the amount of time we can spend finding
out, so what can we do to meet that fantastic new partner without being suspicious of their motives?
Dating is a huge business growth area that can offer choice and opportunity to meet a wide range of people. There are all sorts
of options – you can meet potential partners via the small ads, online, over specially arranged singles dinners, and personalised
introductions for one hour or 3 minutes – there is something for everyone.
Introduction agencies can offer a high degree of protection. Many check out the identity of applicants before taking them onto their
books, so at least you know that ‘John Smith’ is exactly who he says he is. Those that interview prospective members at length also
ensure that the Daniel Craig lookalike you thought you were meeting doesn’t turn out to be Nick Cotton from Eastenders! That,
together with an independent experienced judgement as to whether you are in fact potentially compatible, can save you a lot of time
and effort, not to mention heartache.
Check that any agency you are thinking of joining is a member of the ABIA; this will offer you some protection from poor service
or being ripped off. The ABIA code of practice ensures that its members have been operating for at least a year, each has an office
dedicated to its business rather than just a PO Box number, and will offer you the services of a comparable agency should yours go
under. It also conducts mystery-shopper style investigations to ensure compliance with the code, will investigate complaints on your
behalf, and mentor new businesses to ensure good practice is adhered to from the start.
Potentially the riskiest place to find a partner is on-line. More and more people are signing up to the hundreds of new and ‘free’
dating sites to be found on the net. If you’re tempted, what you are really getting is a place on the web where you can post your
details for strangers to read and be able to contact you. Anyone can set up a dating website – literally anyone. For most people,
online dating is either a positive experience, or at the very least, it’s harmless and doesn’t cost too much. But be aware that the vast
majority of dating sites do not screen their members at all. So sex offenders, con artists and criminals can join and mix in with
genuine people looking for a short cut to lurve. If you are happy with the risks and feel this is the route for you, at least make sure (a)
your chosen dating site is a member of the ABIA and (b) you pay for the service; fraudsters aren’t keen on paying for the privilege
of defrauding you.
And once you are signed up, watch out for scammers trying to get you to part with hard earned cash by asking for financial help;
excuses include
• I want to see you but don’t have enough money to travel.
• I’ve been robbed/beaten and my wallet stolen
• I need urgent surgery
• My Mother/Father/Sister etc is seriously ill and I can’t afford the medical bills
You get the picture!
I wish you much luck in meeting the partner of your dreams; let’s hope this guide ensures you don’t have to
kiss too many frogs before your Prince or Princess arrives to provide a life of happiness and security.
Jacqui Hames is the presenter of ITV’s Crime Channel and is one of Britain’s best-known real life detectives,
having presented live TV appeals on the BBC flagship show Crimewatch for 16 years. After serving with the
Metropolitan Police for over 25 years she is now seen regularly on GMTV and Sky News. Jacqui has written
a book, in collaboration with Fiona Bruce, ‘Savvy – the smart girls guide to having it all without risking it all’.
84 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5EH
0207 6306015
Fees
www.elanlondon.co.uk
Elan.London is an award nominated agency (Runners up Best Matchmaker Worldwide iDate, 2014 & 2015) for
attractive, successful professionals based in London and the
home-counties. They offer a guaranteed number of
introductions and membership is for six months. They
provide a discreet, exclusive, personal matchmaking service
and all members are interviewed personally. Executive
search is included within membership and there is an option
for bespoke national or international headhunting.
Elan.London is an Approved Member of the Matchmaking
Institute.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services
2012
London and South East
England (Bespoke headhunting
worldwide)
25 - 65
£6000 six months membership.
Bespoke Headhunting from
£15000, according to
requirements.(Bespoke
headhunting worldwide)
From six months
2014
Relationship/dating coach
No
Executive Club of St James's
2nd Floor Portland House Bressenden Place London SW1E
5RS
Tel: 020 7930 5555
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
£150 - £465, £950, £1765
£2225,, £4650, £9975, £14250
or Social only membership at
£135 You may rejoin or
extend your active membership
indefinitely by payment of a
monthly service fee (£15 £25
£30 £60, £90 or £135)
Lifetime but subject to a
monthly service fee to keep
your membership active.
1999
Training: relationships, make
up, Flirting - where to go and
how to get dated by top people.
No
Gray & Farrar International
68 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5DZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7290 9585
www.grayandfarrar.com
Totally discreet and personal luxury matchmaking service,
working only for the most exceptional single people.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
2005
Worldwide
18 - 99
From GBP 15,000 (plus VAT
where applicable)
12 months
2006
Yes
Luv2meetU
www.thematchmaker.co.uk
Main Office: Bradford T: 01274 655956
For younger professionals - ladies aged 24 to 44 men 29 to
59.
All dating members are given a 2 hour interview free of
charge, or a subsidised 4hr to 5hr training session/interview.
( No pressure to join, you may change your mind for three
days without cost.) Pay just half the joining fee, try us for 4
weeks and If we do not introduce you to two quality dates,
you can take a 100% refund towards any other agency in the
World.
Members are allocated a personal advisor who recommends
the best people for you and then seeks their approval to
meet. VIP members, personal advisor will travel to their
www.luv2meetu.com
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services, Events
1985
UK however 80% of
membership live in London or
within 20 miles of the M25
other members reside
throughout the UK and abroad
but agree the first two meetings
shall be in Central London.
25 - 59 (ladies max 43)
Luv2meetU is a friendship and dating agency for people with
a learning disability aged 18 and over.
Via a diverse range of social events in the local community
we provide opportunities for members to make new friends,
share interests and develop relationships, helping to combat
isolation, loneliness and improve overall health and
wellbeing.
Luv2meetU is a Community Interest Company (CIC), run by
and for people with learning disabilities. The majority of
Luv2meetU's Board of Directors are people with learning
disabilities, who are also members of Luv2meetU.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions, Events
2007
Leeds, Wakefield, Kirklees,
Calderdale, Sheffield and
Bradford
18 years +
£40
1 Year
2014
Volunteering opportunities,
respite for families and carers
and consultancy for anyone
wishing to set up a similar
agency in other parts of the UK
Yes
Going through changes
How dating has changed in the last 50 years, by Heather Heber-Percy, Chair of the ABIA
Over the last twenty five years, I have seen an enormous change of attitude towards the dating industry as a whole, thank
goodness. It has now become socially acceptable to meet through an agency, although men still feel that by joining an
introduction agency they have somehow failed, because they have not been able to find a partner on their own. Certainly it
is the attitude of most men, that they still wish to be the ones to pursue rather than be pursued, especially men in their late
fifties onwards.
What most people do not realise is that society has changed out of all recognition during the last fifty
years. If you take yourself back in time to the late fifties, people from all walks of life would happily
go off to their local dance hall and dance the night away with complete strangers. They would be
accompanied by the music from relatively large live bands who would play a variety of jazz and music
for wonderful foxtrots, waltzes and, of course, the samba. Edmundo Ross was at the height of his
career and excited the musical tastes of people across the social divide. It was socially acceptable to
meet people this way and, of course, because people danced closely to each other, they had to talk to
each other.
When rock and roll music kicked in, that was the end of any meaningful dialogue for many years. In
the 1960s, virtually every dance hall in the country closed down and a little bit of important social
history disappeared forever. Also in the late 1950s people began to move away from their home towns
to work, especially as the car became more reliable and the UK became more prosperous. This sadly
had a gently corrosive effect on families and relationships generally as we slowly distanced ourselves from close ties.
Television didn’t help either, it was easier to sit in front of a screen rather than go out with friends and, of course, cheaper,
but again people stopped communicating with each other to a large extent and, as television became more sophisticated, oldfashioned social exchanges between neighbours and close friends became less and less frequent. Perhaps this all sounds rather
too far-fetched, but it has had an impact on how we manage to connect with other people today.
There are of course many other factors involved, but suffice to say that simply meeting the love of your
life through family or friends is no longer an option at any age. Thinking now about how people come
to matchmakers like me, we have in a way become like their family and friends, doing the job that
mums and dads did years ago for their sons and daughters, except that now of course we have such a
high divorce rate that we are also encompassing a much older age group too.
Would you believe people join our agency up to the age of eighty? And why not? Why should
someone of eighty have to live life alone? We were never meant to be alone as creatures on this earth
and companionship is such a blessed thing. One of my clients said to me recently that she wanted
to find someone who she could ‘sit in the silence with and not feel the silence’. It’s all about sharing
life’s ups and downs, sometimes getting incredibly irritated with each other, but at the end of the day
would you really want to be without your partner? Life is so much more meaningful when it is shared
with someone special.
Interestingly our clients are embracing a new freedom in this new society. They are not necessarily giving up their lifestyles,
homes and livelihoods to be with their partner; they are spending time with each other in both homes and perhaps only
spending weekends together. But is that so wrong? No, not in my opinion; it means that families need not be concerned
about mother or father selling up and giving it all to the new partner, money stays put, because they each have their own
separate finances. It means simply that family harmony is retained and the couple concerned can go on enjoying each other’s
company without falling out with concerned sons and daughters!
I welcome these many changes. They reflect the rich diversity in people of all ages and backgrounds finding relationships that
work for them. As matchmakers, we are here to cater for these changing needs of our clients.
And to those of you teetering on the edge, wondering whether to take the plunge into the wonderful world of dating, I say
‘come on in, the water’s lovely’!
Heather Heber-Percy is one of Britain’s foremost introduction agency specialists. She set up a small agency in
Herefordshire in 1984 which quickly grew to national coverage within 3 years. From the beginning, she based
her service on personal interviews rather than ‘matching’ people through questionnaires or computer databases.
In 1991, she sold the business to concentrate on providing the more in-depth search process offered by the
County Register.
Her expertise and knowledge means that she is often called upon for professional opinion and comment by the
national press and media. She has been a member of the Association of British Introduction Agencies since 1987
and is currently Chair.
Perfect Partners
Perfect Partners Suite 1 Castleyard 20/21 St Patricks Road
Dalkey Co Dublin A96 HD59
Phone: +353 1 235 1020
www.perfectpartners.ie
Perfect
Partners
is
a
private
personal
introduction/matchmaking agency based in Dublin and
serving all adjoining counties. The service is discreet and
exclusive and all members are interviewed personally by the
same person.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
2015
Dublin and adjoining counties.
28-80
Total fees ( inc of VAT) From
EUR595 to EUR1250
From 12 months
2016
No
March House 13 Park Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1LU
Tel: 01753 830350
www.sara-eden.co.uk
Unlimited introductions. All applicants interviewed. Personal
contact maintained throughout membership. Specializing in
professionals, academics, doctors, bankers, lawyers,
managers, creative types, businessmen and women, media
and film folk. Over 2500 members. Guaranteed minimum
number of introductions.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
RSVP
RSVP Dating Agency and Singles Club 23C Oakham
Enterprise Park Ashwell Road Oakham LE15 7TU
Tel: 01572 774884
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
1988
London and the Home Counties
25 - 75
Discovery £715; Regular
£1,015; Executive £1,530;
Executive Plus £2,550;
Personal Consultant Gold
£4,125; Personal consultant
Platinum £6,125; Founder
membership from £10,210
1 year, plus 6 to 24 months
freeze time depending on
membership level
1988
Events
No
www.rsvp-int.co.uk
RSVP is a Dating Agency and Singles Club for single
professionals in London, Birmingham, Cambridge, Oxford
and elsewhere across London, the Home Counties and the
Heart of England. Unlike other dating agencies, RSVP
membership never expires; join once and you can come and
go as you please. RSVP offers three memberships:
Neon Singles Events Membership
Neon Membership gives you access to superb singles
events every month, all of them hosted. These include
dinners, dances, walks, activity days, weekends away, grand
balls, mix and mingles, etc. There's something for every
taste - from the relaxed to the hyperactive. You can book
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions, Events
1992
London, Beds, Bucks, Cambs,
Derbys, Essex, Herts, Kent,
Leics, Lincs, Notts, Northants,
Oxon, Staffs, Surrey, Warks,
West Midlands & Worcs
30 - 99
One-off lifetime registration fee
(£): Neon: 499; Gold: 999;
Platinum: 2499. Monthly
service fee (£): Neon: 27.99;
Gold: 38.99; Platinum: 53.99.
Lifetime, subject to payment of
monthly service fee.
1999
Personal coaching, image
coaching, dating workshops
and a members' website for
dating advice, event booking,
etc.
No
Sara Eden
Select Personal Introductions
111 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2HY
Tel: 0161 872 3900
www.selectservices.co.uk
Select Personal Introductions Agency is a dating agency for
single professionals in Manchester, Leeds, Cheshire,
Lancashire , Liverpool and Chester.
All members are based in and around the Northwest /
Yorkshire areas and as such local introductions are
provided. Select caters for business and professional people
offering unlimited introductions, which are personally hand
selected by our team of highly experienced dating
consultants.
Introductions are not computer generated. All members
interviewed and ID checked. Preferences are analysed in
conjunction with Select's unique personality profiling. Freeze
...
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services, Events
1997
Manchester, Lancashire,
Cheshire, Leeds, West
Yorkshire, Chester / Wirral,
Merseyside, North Wales and
South Cumbria.
22 - 65
From £560 to £2950 (monthly
fees applicable to some
memberships).
1 & 2 years, also lifetime
membership (subject to
payment of monthly fee).
2000
Events
No
Seventy Thirty
12 Hans Road Knightsbridge London SW3 1RT
Tel: 020 7753 7631
Area covered
Age range
Fees
www.seventy-thirty.com
The exclusive matchmaking company; providing a discreet,
global service for our affluent members
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
2005
International
21 - 80
From £18,000 (unless VAT
exempt)
12 months
2006
Yes
SIMANTOV® International
LONDON 17 Bowater Road, SE18 5TF London, United
Kingdom +44 (0) 2032901314
simantov-international.com
SIMANTOV® International - PREMIER JEWISH
MATCHMAKER since 1975
Your exclusive search for a life partner starts here.
Personalised, dedicated & passionate matchmaking to
exceed your expectations and fulfill your wish for love.
Simantov International represents the most dynamic multicultural marriage minded Jewish singles. Apply with us today
and meet your soul mate!
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions,
Headhunting Services
1975
Europe, Worldwide
20 - 120
From £10,000 inc vat (where
applicable)
12 Months
2014
Feedback, Mentoring &
Coaching alongside the
Introduction Process.
No
Soirée Society NI
Soirée Society NI 32 Frenchmans Lane Dungannon Co.
Tyrone N. Ireland BT70 3DF
Telephone: 07766330087/ 028 877 61631
www.soireesocietyni.co.uk
Based in Northern Ireland, Soirée Society is refreshingly
different. We bring together like-minded people who want to
Live, Laugh and Learn & possibly to Love. We offer two
independent but complementary services: We organise
entertaining and inspiring social Events for unattached
people and we offer a Professional Bespoke Introduction
and Matchmaking service for our discerning clientele. Our
Introduction and Matchmaking service is discreet and
confidential with all clients interviewed personally at
convenient locations and times to suit their requirements.
Categories
Established
Personal Introductions, Events
2013
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Northern Ireland
25 - 80
1.) Gold Package: £595 maximum 4 introductions - 3
month term.
2.) Platinum
Package: £1000 - maximum 10
introductions - 6 month term
3 months, 6 months
2015
Coaching and mentoring Style
& Image Consultancy
Photographic Make-over
session
No
Suman Marriage Bureau
83 South Road Southall Middlesex UB1 1SQ
Tel: 0208 571 5145
www.s-m-b.com
Personal introduction service, providing one-to-one
introduction meetings or personal contact information for
direct contact. Unlimited introductions. Professional and nonprofessional Asian to Asian and Asian to non-Asian. On-line
service also available independent of agency service.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
1972
UK & Worldwide
18 - 80
£325 Registration Fee
(Standard Service) £595
Registration Fee (Special
Personal Service) £1295
Registration Fee (Platinum
Personal Service) £250
Marriage Settlement.
12 months
1981
No
Two's Company
Dublin: Larch House 44 Northumberland Avenue,
Dunlaoghaire, Co.Dublin. Ph: 01-4304017
Belfast: The Mount 2 Woodstock Link Belfast BT6 8DD Ph:
(028) 90735894
www.twoscompany.ie
Twos Company is a totally discreet personal introduction
service . All members are met/interviewed on a no-obligation
basis.
Categories
Established
Area covered
Age range
Fees
Length of membership
ABIA member since
Other services
Same gender matching
Personal Introductions
2009
Ireland - North & South
25-80
From EUR595 to EUR2,500
9 months - 18 months
2014
None
No
Why smart singles choose an ABIA agency
1. Published prices
All agencies are required to declare their prices before meeting you. So you can be sure there’ll be no attempt to charge what
they feel you can afford.
2. Quantified number of introductions
The experience of ABIA members means they’re well-positioned to make an accurate estimate at the outset of how many
introductions you can expect whilst you’re a member. And if the agency is prepared to make a guarantee to that effect, you
can rely on them having remedies to protect you should the guarantee not be met.
3. Open to their members
Whilst many agencies will be only too happy to come and meet you near where you live, it’s always reassuring to know that
you can pay them a visit should you ever wish to. All ABIA agencies have a room set aside for interviews. And all our member
agencies have a phone number where you can get dating advice and discuss your membership.
4. Confidentiality
All ABIA agencies will treat your details with the strict confidentiality required by the Data Protection Act 1998. Unlike
many agencies outside the ABIA, your information will not be sold, lent or otherwise divulged to third parties outside of the
industry or without your consent, so you’ll not suddenly become the unwitting recipient of junk mail or spam.
5. Balanced membership
Every ABIA-registered agency is required to maintain roughly equal proportions of men and women on their books (though
that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll all meet your criteria). Ask the pertinent question ‘how many introductions can you
expect to receive’.
6. Long-established agencies
Whilst it’s entirely possible for a sole trader to set up an introduction agency from their kitchen table, such businesses rarely
last and are unlikely to offer the depth of membership and expertise that today’s clients demand. So the ABIA look for
reputation, experience and longevity before accepting an agency into membership.
7. Truthful advertising
ABIA-registered agencies abide by the codes of practice in force for print and broadcast media, so you can be sure there’ll be
no wildly exaggerated claims or misleading statements in advertising, brochures or publicity material.
8. Swift response to complaints
In the unlikely event of your not being happy with an aspect of the service provided by your chosen agency, you can expect
the agency to deal promptly with your complaint and – in the unlikely event that you and your agency fail to reach an
amicable solution – there’s an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution provider to turn to, if you need to take things further.
9. The ABIA Code of Practice
The ABIA carries out regular inspections to be sure that member agencies comply with the Code of Practice. And that code
is always available for new members when they join.
10.Your right to transfer your membership
Whilst it’s a pretty unlikely scenario, it’s comforting to know that, in the event that the agency you signed up with ceases to
trade, you can apply to the ABIA to have the balance of your membership transferred to another agency.
The contents of this booklet were believed to be correct at the time of going to print but neither the ABIA nor its officers or employees can accept any
responsibility for errors, omissions and changes. You are strongly advised to check current details, terms and conditions with agencies themselves before
entering into any form of contract.