Agency's old fashioned fix-ups

Sue Walters and Liz Harwood set up ‘Two For Joy Introductions’ after hearing about friends’ own disastrous dating stories.

The agency, based in Manvers in Rotherham, operates completely off-line, with all vetting carried out in person and thorough background checks. And as part of their unique chaperone experience, either Sue or Liz will accompany clients who are concerned about safety on their dates, to keep an eye from a distance.

Liz, aged 27, of Barnsley said: “Nobody goes out to meet anymore and internet dating isn’t for everybody.

“We were inspired by friends who, either, weren’t dating because they didn’t want to put themselves through the trials of internet dating, or were, but weren’t enjoying it. They told us there didn’t seem to be an alternative. That’s when we decided that we should be the alternative.”

Two For Joy Introductions launched last August and Liz said the pair - who both previously worked in health and social care - have been surprised by the demand.

“We’re a bespoke service and clients seem to like that,” said Liz.

“We can be as involved as they like, from very hands-off, right up to accompanying them to their initial meetings.”

And there are no computer algorithms involved in the actual matches - it’s all good old-fashioned fix-ups.

Liz said: “My mum and I sit down every week for a ‘match meeting’ with a big file of profiles. We discuss each person and decide who would make a good match.”

Visit www.twoforjoyintroductions.co.uk for details.