If you’re single and successful in Cheshire, how do you meet the perfect person? Money may not be able to buy you love but if you are serious about looking, then you need to invest. LUXURY CHESHIRE went to Wilmslow to find out about a new, premium matchmaking service.
Even if you have a healthy bank balance, a successful business or career, a stunning home and a head-turning car – in fact all the lovely things in life that money can buy - it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will have someone special with whom to enjoy them. It might even be because of the time and effort you have put into those other areas of life that you haven’t had the opportunity (and possibly the inclination) to dedicate yourself to looking for Mr or Miss Perfect.
Online dating is an option that appeals to the many seeking love but due to its automated nature this method has drawbacks. You will quickly realise that there are many more men signed up to these sites than women (so not as good for men seeking women) and, because the process is automated, when you get to the point of meeting your ‘match’ in the flesh, they can look somewhat different than the photograph you saw on the website. There are also no guarantees or ID checks.
So if you are in Cheshire, single and serious about finding a partner, what do you do?
Meet the REAL millionaire matchmaker
Annabel Hannam left a large matchmaking business in the South East to set up her new agency here in Cheshire, and now splits her time between the two locations. Annabel is softly spoken and the embodiment of a ‘people person,’ her warm manner sure to put nervous clients at ease and give them confidence that they will find ‘the one’.
Clients at Annabel's agency IntroNW span a range of ages and personality types but they have in common a desire for a more exclusive and highly personal service, which of course comes at a price but it is one they are willing to pay. It follows that anyone who values exceptional service in other areas, would apply the same principle to finding the love of their life.
Annabel says: "The people I work with invariably have too much to offer to be alone. Their lives are filled with good things and all that is missing is the final piece of the jigsaw, someone to share it with."
We are naturally curious to know more about those enlisting Annabel’s services. She is understandably coy about revealing the contents of her little black book but we do manage to find out that her service has been enlisted by a local gentleman who is, in her words, “One of the country’s most eligible bachelors.”
The venues Annabel selects for her events are the discerning clientèle's natural habitat, and activities are similarly carefully chosen. This week she held a champagne tasting session at Corks Out in Alderley Edge – perfectly appropriate for the fabled Champagne Capital of Britain. Future events include Cheshire countryside walks, a clay pigeon shoot and a Sunday cycle ride.
Can money buy you love?
Annabel’s premium level membership is her ‘Personal’ service which, as the name implies, is akin to having a dedicated personal matchmaker at your service. It’s like having a best friend on a mission. The features of this membership level include a professional photography session, a weekly pow-wow with your consultant and personal invitations to the complete calendar of social events. ID and security checks of course come as standard whenever a client registers with Annabel; discretion and complete confidentiality are assured.
After an initial 1-2-1 with your consultant, they will work with you to create a bespoke personal profile. To ensure you look your best in the accompanying photo, Annabel will arrange a professional photography session. Over the course of the year you will have twelve appointments with your dedicated consultant, plus weekly updates. Your profile is put forward as a priority to your chosen matches, and your profile will also appear in selected newspapers and magazines. All this means you are guaranteed at least eight, hand-matched introductions.
Annabel finds it hugely rewarding, seeing her clients develop great new relationships. "The best stories are often the simple ones and keeping in touch with people as they grow closer together and share their lives is an amazing feeling."
Regardless of financial status, happiness is often dependent on being with a special person, sharing a life together. Giving it your best shot, by using a personalised service, means that when 'the magic happens' there is greater chance of it lasting.
And who knows, with Annabel's help, perhaps Britain’s ‘most eligible bachelor’ will be your perfect match.