• Admin
• September 03, 2023
• 0 Comments

Since 2003, Original Dating has been orchestrating high-quality speed dating events and parties at various London venues, and we're thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response from our clients throughout the years.

Our events have led to countless first dates, long-term relationships, flings, weddings, and even babies - covering the full spectrum of dating-related experiences. It's a track record that fills us with pride and is precisely what we aimed for. Moreover, it's been an absolute joy for all involved.

Over the years, Original Dating has evolved into a larger and more intricate business than one might initially perceive. We've steadily built up our skills, staff, and in-house technology to propel us forward, and in mid-2018, we took the bold step of trialing events outside London.

Unlike many modern startups, our growth has been gradual and organic, without the need for external financing. While this type of steady expansion may be less fashionable nowadays, it has suited us perfectly.

When we introduced Speed Dating to the UK in 2003, many viewed it as a passing trend. However, 15 years later, it's clear that Speed Dating is here to stay, with us selling more tickets to more events than ever before. We now boast around 10 event hosts, three full-time staff members, and a team of freelance service providers who keep everything running smoothly.

Initially, we were concerned about the impact of dating apps on our market. However, their presence has actually helped reduce the stigma associated with organized dating and expanded our potential client base significantly. Since the rise of swipe-based apps, the dating category has seen considerable growth, and for that, we raise a toast to Tinder!

While we face competition from various quarters, we believed that 2018 was the opportune moment to take our brand nationwide.

Our first venture beyond London took us to Chelmsford. We sensed there was a demand in the area, swiftly secured a venue, and launched a marketing campaign. As anticipated, the bookings poured in, marking the debut of our non-London speed dating events.

Expanding a business from a single city to multiple locations comes with its challenges. We must ensure we maintain our success in our primary location while also avoiding appearing too London-centric in our approach.

Subsequently, we expanded to Tunbridge Wells, a smaller locale than our usual choices. Yet, we identified interest there, secured an excellent venue, and our events quickly gained traction.

Today, we serve speed daters in Oxford, Brighton, Derby, and Southend, signaling the end of our learning phase and the beginning of scaling up.

Of course, expanding a business entails a steep learning curve, and we've encountered some hurdles along the way. Nonetheless, progress is evident.

As we disrupt the status quo in an established market, we're not surprised to find ourselves ruffling a few feathers among competitors. Nevertheless, we relish this new chapter in the Original Dating saga and eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead. Stay tuned for further updates on our exciting journey.