10 QS WITH MAIREAD MOLLOY, GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF BERKELEY INTERNATIONAL
1.) Can you tell us a little about Berkeley International? What is it that you provide?
Berkeley International is an exclusive bespoke introduction agency that introduces elite singles to each other. We have offices globally; our services are wonderfully personal and discreet.
2.) What inspired you to create Berkeley International?
There’s so much focus on online dating and apps these days and yet the experience remains unfulfilling and unfruitful for so many singles. Sixteen years Berkeley International was born; because nothing beats the personal touch. Introductions agencies have been used for centuries and it’s about using human intuition, experience and gut instincts to connect the right people together.
3.) What were you doing before you were professionally match making?
I was a hotelier, have a degree in psychology plus LLM, so you can definitely say that people and how they work has always been hugely attractive to me. Introduction agencies are about making sure that clients are looked after, listened to, and ultimately come away with an experience that’s been worth the efforts and time invested.
4.) What types of people are signing up?
From the very start we’ve always attracted members who are successful, with a high net worth and looking for lasting relationships. Our clients don’t want to join a regular dating site or app, they need discretion on so many levels. With us that comes as standard, otherwise we wouldn’t have been this successful for over a decade.
5.) Can you talk us through the initial joining process?
When you first make an enquiry we’ll call you back to have a preliminary chat about you and what you’re seeking. This chat is really important because not everyone who applies is suitable. If we both decide that becoming a member may be an option for you, we’ll invite you to our offices for an informal meeting, to get to know you better. We begin by listening to you and what you need, and working out which level of service best suits you. The initial meetings have to be largely about you, the better we know you, the better we can match you.
6.) Dating can be daunting in the age of speedy digital progression and transience. How does the Berkeley International team help to prepare clients for meetings with a prospective match?
This depends entirely on the individual. Some of our members simply want a time and location and they’re more than ready for their date, others need a little coaching, styling or they desire reassurance. You have to remember that our service is tailored to individual need, so everyone feels supported and any preparation is on-going, throughout the entire journey with us.
7.) What advice do you have for those struggling to meet someone because they are frequently travelling on business?
Our advice is to either make the time, or to be proactive and let an agency take control of the details. People will always prioritise the things that matter to them, or hire people to do the tasks they’re unable to complete entirely themselves – dating should be no different. We have offices all over the world, so whether a client spends half the year in Australia or Copenhagen, it really doesn’t matter. And if you need a partner that is flexible enough to travel with you, we can make sure those are the type of matches you meet.
8.) No pressure here...can you suggest three fail-proof date hot spots in London?!
Honestly, there’s no such thing, sorry! There isn’t a one-size fits all and anyone who thinks there is, perhaps isn’t thinking about the needs of the person they’re dating. We have people who are constantly in the limelight who love to privately dine somewhere off-grid, and others who would rather fly to NYC and leave the capital behind entirely. Horses for courses. A fail-proof date comes from listening to the needs of your match and planning accordingly.
9.) Do you have any exciting, romantic success stories you can tell us?
We had a gentleman come in last year who was so incredibly set on the type of woman he wanted, literally down to her shoe size and the number of siblings she had. In the dating world, sometimes you need to be quite tough, especially if there’s someone on your books that’s perfect for a person but all they can see is the negatives. Anyway, I asked him to trust us and just go for coffee with our wild card choice. Fast forward a few months and they’ve now moved in together. Those are the matches that have us doing high-fives in the office.
10.) How would you describe Berkeley International in just three words?
Personal. Professional. Experienced.
Visit Berkeley International’s site here.
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