Fuelled primarily by the rising number of single people, the dating agency market is a growth sector. With a current market value of around £30 million, the estimated UK membership rose by 10% in 1999 with the total number of clients registered with agencies calculated at approximately 200,000. The possibilities for the sector would seem to be significant, as increasing career ambition and prolongation of the single lifestyle are delaying crucial life choices for many professionals. Has the Millennium factor added to existing demand for dating agencies as a means to alter single status? In the past, 'thirtysomethings' provided the core customer for the dating industry, but higher levels of divorce and other demographic changes mean that the sector is now considering the over-45s in far greater depth.

Fuelled primarily by the rising number of single people, the dating agency market is a growth sector. With a current market value of around £30 million, the estimated UK membership rose by 10% in 1999 with the total number of clients registered with agencies calculated at approximately 200,000. The possibilities for the sector would seem to be significant, as increasing career ambition and prolongation of the single lifestyle are delaying crucial life choices for many professionals. Has the Millennium factor added to existing demand for dating agencies as a means to alter single status? In the past, 'thirtysomethings' provided the core customer for the dating industry, but higher levels of divorce and other demographic changes mean that the sector is now considering the over-45s in far greater depth.

Has the Millennium factor added to existing demand for dating agencies as a means of altering 'single' status?

Estimated UK membership rose by over 10% in 1999.

'Thirtysomethings' have provided the core customer of the dating game up till now, but are less likely to be the sole players in the future.

Dating Agencies assesses the personal introduction agency, computer dating agency and listing services such as Internet or telephone dating. This report provides an overview of the sector, giving realistic estimates of market size and membership numbers based on extensive consumer and trade research. Examining the social factors which are affecting demand, Dating Agencies establishes patterns of consumer behaviour in relation to dating agencies, with exclusive consumer research conducted for this report offering an in-depth analysis of how people met their partners and their attitudes to dating agencies. Despite the proliferation of the single lifestyle, attitudes remain somewhat old-fashioned when it comes to the dating game and this report looks at the differences between men and women: Who has the highest expectations and who is likely to find success through a dating agency?

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

Special Report, British Lifestyles, 2000

Pre-family Leisure Trends, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

Special Report, Pre-family Lifestyles, 1999

Special Report, Women 2000, 1999

Special Report, Men 2000, 1998.