Select Personal Introductions was asked to do a report for Smokefree North West to get a break down on exactly what single people were looking for when it came to smokers and their general response.

Alex Mellor-Brook of Select Personal Introductions talks live with Wes Butters at BBC Radio Leeds regarding the report released by the British Heart Foundation, which states that 50% of women do not want to meet a man that smokes. Listen to BBC interview.

Alex says, “At Select we find that non smoking men are more forgiving towards women smokers and that non smoking women are less forgiving. Yet women smokers seem to be more open on their partner’s habits than men who smoke.”

During research the dating agency found that 67% of non smoking women will not meet a gent that smokes and 47% of non smoking men do not want to meet a smoker.

Other findings were that 83% of the women that smoked would accept a smoker compared to 40% of men who smoke.

Several factors contributing to single people and their general issues with smokers seem to be strongly linked to their past and current experiences, losing family members, exposing children to it and the smell. Also, ex-smokers and people trying to quit fear failure if in a relationship with a smoker. The simple stigma attached to the habit has put smokers under more pressure and more scrutiny.

Most smokers want to stop smoking, and 11 million people in the UK have given up successfully. Alex says, “Quitting smoking has huge health benefits and it’s never too late to give up and impress your new found love.”

The British Heart Foundation offers some helpful tips,

• Make a date to give up and stick to it!
• Throw awayall your tobacco, lighters and ashtrays.
• Draw up a plan of action. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to quit.
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
• Get support and let your family and friends know that you’re quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
• Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you’re saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.

British Heart Foundation

Based on the lunar and solar calendars, the actual date of Chinese New Year varies, but always falls between late January and mid February. This year it falls on the 23rd January. This is the first of 15 days of celebration and the start of the Year of the Dragon.

A baby boom for Chinese people is expected

Like most Chinese around the world, they believe that this is auspicious. The dragon, the only mythical creature among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, is regarded as a symbol of might and intelligence. In ancient China, the dragon was associated with the emperor. Boys born in the year of the dragon, especially, are said to be destined to be successful and wealthy.

According to official data, in previous dragon years, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have experienced baby booms. In 2000, Hong Kong saw a more than 5% rise in the number of births.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon’s fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

The Dragon and Love

Dragons are passionate. They fall in love quickly – and out of love just as quickly. Their charisma and charm is an immense draw to people of the opposite sex whose attention and admiration they crave. Though they have a tendency to treat love like a game, they can settle down when they meet the right partner, someone who’s strong enough not to be bowled over by the Dragon’s flamboyant, independent and stubborn personality.

IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION

People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, a smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

The Dragon’s ideal partners are the Rat, the Monkey, and the Rooster: The Rat is practical, observant and resourceful, able to help the Dragon when extravagant promises have backed the Dragon into a corner. The Monkey is just as popular as the Dragon, curious, intellectual and fun-loving, one of the few personalities the Dragon doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with. The Rooster can give the Dragon a run for the money on the fashion-forward front; attractive, well-groomed, fiercely loyal and committed to honesty, the Rooster serves as the Dragon’s reality check, keeping the Dragon from making promises that he or she can’t keep.

The Dragon and Wealth

Dragon years are lucky for anyone thinking of starting a business or initiating a new project of any sort because money is easier to come by for everyone, whether it’s earned, borrowed or received as a gift. Consequently we can expect the economic downturn to ease up a bit in the coming year. Dragons do well in professions that give them the ability to function somewhat autonomously. They make excellent sales people, publicists, political campaigners, lawyers, real estate brokers, actors and politicians.

Dragon Years: 02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905 (Wood), 02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917 (Fire), 01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929 (Earth), 02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941 (Metal), 01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953 (Water), 02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965 (Wood), 01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977 (Fire), 02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989 (Earth), 02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001 (Metal), 01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013 (Water).

Select Personal Introductions, a local Northwest dating agency, believe that there is someone out there for everyone and it is a simple case of marrying up both personality and chemistry, which is why it incorporates a unique personality assessment as part of its matching process, thereby identifying individual strengths, weaknesses, characteristics and shared goals, helping to balance out a couples life path together.

Jessica, a relationship consultant, at Select Personal Introductions said, “Single people want to find true happiness with the love and nurture of a long lasting and fulfilling relationship with the strongest anticipation of all, a baby. In fact, the lure of the dragon is so appealing that single people from other cultures have tried to get a head start by joining dating agencies at the back end of 2011 to meet their prospective partner.”

To find out more about Select Personal Introductions, visit www.selectpersonalintroductions.co.uk

Select, Piccadilly House, 49 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AP

T: 01618723900 E: info@selectservices.co.uk

Summer is finally here, the ‘unofficial’ dating season can now begin.  At work, an eagerness to break out of the office sweeps over every desk. Evening Jogs replace the dull agony of the treadmill. Evening strolls in tiny tops and shorts replace the mad dash from car to office with umbrella in hand!

We are all baring a bit more flesh and the signal for love is out there for all to see. The long bronzed legs delicately dipped in high heels emphasise a woman’s sexy curves, appealing to men everywhere and the brawn of the Godlike hunk having been unveiled for the first time since Winter is positively mind blowing with motivating interest!  It’s no wonder that we keep catching each other taking sneaky side glances at the opposite sex as they walk on by!

So how can you attract a partner? Louise Young, relationship expert for Northwest based, Select Personal Introductions, believes that there are key elements that turn on or turn off your chances of success with the opposite sex and says, “Most of the time we are unaware of exactly what messages our gestures, posture and expressions are giving away during our first encounter with the opposite sex. Many key areas come under scrutiny at this time, playing an important role in the pursuit of Mr or Miss Right.”

Smile: Never underestimate the power of your smile. Smiles improve your appearance and there is nothing more welcoming to the opposite sex. A smile creates trust and rapport and is a great way of establishing mutual feelings of being on the same level as others. Your eyes light up, twinkle, and reflect your happiness. Women can’t help but fall for the flawless smile with the thick jaw. And men can’t help but fall for the angelic, sweet, and soft smile complemented by bright eyes and great skin.

Voice: The accent, sound, tone and volume of a voice play an all important part when attracting the opposite sex.  A man is more a man when he sounds like one. It seems a deep voice is even more appealing than a good physique or an attractive face. A woman’s soft, feminine, low toned, gentle voice works like magic on men. Your voice is the gateway to your personality. It is used to express your thoughts and ideas, so use it wisely to attract others.

Body: In a world that focuses on image, body perfect is a real pressure for both men and women. For men, the obsession with working out and building muscles is not only about maintaining health but is triggered by the primary fact that 6 packs on a man is a definite babe magnet. The idea behind it is that women are attracted to men that look strong, powerful, and macho. As for women, a well toned, hour glass figure is not only attractive for men, but is craved. Actresses like MariIyn Monroe, Monica Bellucci, and Scarlett Johansson are not only appreciated by men for their acting skills. When a man looks into your eyes, or stares at your lips, breasts or some other parts of your body, the power of attraction has already begun.

Walk: Men are attracted to women that act in a feminine way and women are attracted to men that seem strong. The way a woman walks says a lot about her. To attract you need to be making a statement through your walk. You should walk gracefully, elegantly and with confidence – stay away from heels that you clearly can’t walk in.  As for men they need to walk like gladiators to affirm their manliness. He needs to stand out in a crowd, catch your eyes and mesmerise.

Your body language is connected to your attitude and confidence. We all know, that people communicate with each other on multiple levels. What we actually say is just 7% of our communication. The majority of communication is done with body language, vocal tones, vocal pitch, movement, and gestures. Body language includes: pitch of voice, tonality, speed, how you walk, the way you carry yourself through the world, eye contact and how fast you move. Remembering the points above will enhance your chances of making the right impression with your next romantic encounter.

If love just isn’t happening for you…

Exclusive introduction agencies like Select Personal Introductions, established 1997, with years of experience when it comes to the idiosyncrasies of dating and relationships can help you. If your social position prevents you from meeting other single, articulate people then choosing a professional premier introduction agency might just be your key to success.  A simple telephone call could be all that it takes to set you on the right path to an exciting new relationship.

Select Personal Introductions -01618723900, selectpersonalintroductions

Mr Alex Mellor-Brook is pleased to take on the role after serving on the Council as Development Officer (UK) for 10 years, where his role was concentrated on developing the presence of the A.B.I.A. throughout the UK. His new role involves the agenda, public relations, dealing with the press, TV and Radio and consumer related legislation. He will be liaising with officials and offering legal and specialist advice.

Heather Heber-Percy (Chair of the A.B.I.A) says “Since 1981, the shape of dating has changed and the Internet has brought more choice, but with such huge choice also comes the challenge of maintaining quality and fairness in the face of the sometimes ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ philosophy of some hopeful entrepreneurs. It is a sad fact that many non member agencies are questionable. It is not so much through lack of integrity but through a lack of resources and commercial acumen.”

Alex Mellor-brook says “Since the start of the recession, the industry has been plagued by a 50% growth of short lived agencies whose founders expect rich returns from poorly researched and funded businesses, with many lasting no longer than a few months or even short weeks.  The dating industry watchdog helps to regulate agencies and also offers advice and information to the consumer”.

Select Personal Introductions, established 1997, is a member of the Association of British Introduction Agencies and is the only A.B.I.A regulated traditional dating agency in the Northwest and surrounding areas which is dedicated to people of the professions.

For further information please call Alex Mellor-Brook on 0161 872 3900 or email info@selectservices.co.uk

Select Personal Introductions, Piccadilly House, 49 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AP. www.selectpersonalintroductions.co.uk

What our members tell us…

Sara, a community nurse, age 47
Met David, a lawyer, age 55 on the 26th May 2011. Her first impression of David was that he had excellent dress sense and great manners.  He was sophisticated, intelligent and attractive. All in all Sara described him as considerate, well mannered, thoughtful and good company. Sara said, “Not sure about meeting anyone else yet – have arranged to meet again.  I don’t want to suspend my membership quite yet – am amazed to meet someone I like so much on the first introduction.” We anticipate a long and happy relationship ahead.

Alexandra, a radiographer, age 29
Met John, a solicitor, age 34 on the 8^th May 2011.  Alexandra said “John is a very confident person and very easy to talk to. Although I was not attracted towards him, I did like his personality and out of all my introductions through Select, he has been my favourite, ticking many of my boxes. I really enjoyed the date.” Alexandra has continued to see John and a close friendship is developing.

Richard, an I.T. consultant, age 31
Met Mary, HR manager, age 34 on the 28^th May 2011. He thought that she was a great conversationalist with very good dress sense and he was attracted to her instantly. She had great likeability with a lovely personality and the intelligence to go with it. When asked what he liked most about Mary, Richard told us “Her intelligence, sense of humour, she was sharp, engaging and good company.” Romance has really started to blossom.

Susan, a general manager, age 36
Met James, a technical engineer, age 40 on the 16th May 2011 and spent three hours together on their first date. Susan said “He was very easy to talk to – so much so we could have sat for a few more hours chatting – it just felt very natural and I got the feeling that James felt the same too.” When asked if there was anything she disliked about James, she said “NOTHING!”  We are delighted that their relationship is going strong.

Our dedicated matching team receive thank you letters practically every day and updates from ex members who have established long and happy relationships.  You too could meet your perfect match with the help of our specialist dating team. For more information about our personal dating service please call Select Personal Introductions today on 01618723900.

Select Personal Introductions -

Being single and professional has its drawbacks.  In today’s fast paced world, the odds appear to be stacked against accomplished professionals finding long lasting and loving relationships.

Alex Mellor-Brook, Head of PR and Marketing for Select Personal Introductions and newly appointed Secretary for the industry watchdog, (the Association of British Introduction Agencies) understands the dilemma only too well.  “Professional people simply want to meet their equal and despite having over 15 million singletons in the UK, finding ‘the one’ is a major challenge. The older we get, the more specific we become about what we want in a partner and with a much smaller social network and fewer single friends many find it difficult to know where to look next.”

Celebrity, Peter Andre has started researching a few high-end dating agencies like Select Personal Introductions and isn’t the first celebrity to need a helping hand from Cupid, not too long ago, Jennifer Aniston reportedly signed up with a dating agency.

Maximising your chances of meeting someone after the age of 28 becomes crucial but opting for the quick fix of ambiguous profiles on the internet is potentially risky and time consuming.  Well cultured individuals are turning to introduction companies for a more considered personal approach to dating.

Over 75% of UK singles will at some point in their lifetime try the easiest and cheapest option of online dating, with much disappointment. It would appear that if online daters were truly satisfied with their cyber experience, exclusive and successful dating agencies like Select Personal Introductions would not exist.

For many years Select Personal Introductions has built a strong reputation of introducing successful and intelligent people to other professional life partners.  Whether you are just climbing the first rungs of your professional career or enjoying the well-deserved fruits of hard work and success, Select Personal Introductions can help.

Jackie, matching coordinator for Select says, “We believe that every relationship is unique and so our professional dating consultants provide ongoing individual and personal assistance throughout membership making the task of meeting someone effortless.”

Alex Mellor-Brook, “Joining the right introduction company means that you will be meeting people who have already been interviewed on your behalf and are a strong match with your preferences and criteria.”

With over 70% success rate, employing the services of Select Personal Introductions can be viewed as a genuine investment in the future.  It greatly increases the chances of finding a suitable partner while reducing the time and effort involved.

Alex Mellor-Brook, Head of PR and Marketing for Select Personal Introductions and Development Officer (UK) for the industry watchdog says, “Professional people simply want to meet their equal and despite having over 15 million singletons in the UK, finding ‘the one’ is a major challenge.  The older we get, the more specific we become about what we want in a partner and with a much smaller social network and fewer single friends many find it difficult to know where look next.”

Nobody wants to be swindled out of their hard earned cash, no matter how wealthy they are, so here is a helpful guide explaining the major differences between the various services out there.

Franchise agencies:

The problem is franchise fees. These fees can really affect net earnings. A franchisee still has to pay for its regular business operation expenses as well as the ongoing franchise fees so it’s easy to see that the agency will not be making as much money as originally believed. Without money, business will fail! Another problem with a franchise is that it is actually very risky: Approximately 70 – 80% of businesses fail within the first 2 – 5 years. And the percentages are getting worse as the economy suffers. Added to this, the average, “successful” business usually doesn’t start consistently turning a profit in as long.

National agencies:

Some agencies cover the whole of the United Kingdom and register people from all walks of life. As such they are faced with the difficulty of a diluted membership and one that is not solely targeted at single, articulate professionals. The majority of its membership base will be located in the South of England. This means that you will have to be prepared to do a lot more travelling at the end of a days work to meet your Mr or Mrs Right! This type of agency is unable to provide a personal matching service so each introduction will be drawn from a computer database picking out similar details in you and your matches profile. This can only work if everyone tells the whole truth and unfortunately, (similar to online services) it is human nature to embellish. We all want to appear younger, prettier and more successful than we actually are! It is also in the agency’s best interests to make their members sound more appealing to others. So, if the agency writes the member profiles it is still likely to be hyped up!

Online dating:

The Office of Fair Trading said the increased potential to meet new people online is being exploited by scammers to con people out of their money. Fraudsters generally target online singles columns and dating websites. The online profiles they create are fictitious and are usually accompanied with fake photographs. In some cases fraudsters have strung people along for years, conning them out of huge sums of money and leaving them financially ruined. Some of the most serious cases are being investigated by the Serious Organised Crime Agency. One recent case involved a British national who was kidnapped after travelling to West Africa after falling for a dating scam. If you’re looking for a cheap option, nothing too serious or long-term and know how to keep yourself safe then online might still be for you,  apply now.

Traditional dating agencies:

The bulk of agencies with ABIA status are traditional (off-line) agencies, whose strengths lie in the personal one to one contact with a high level of personal service. As well as service, location is also important in your choice of offline agency, since the membership base of each will be concentrated in the area(s) they specifically target. These types of agencies are able to provide introductions more locally and cater for the more select clientele who are genuinely looking for a long-lasting relationship.

Company ownership:

Some agencies claim to have been established for many years, but it must be noted that some agencies have changed hands four or five times during the course of its business. This could be for genuine reasons but is most likely due to failed business activities – this often leads to a company being placed into administration and your personal details being sold on without your consent.

Select Personal Introductions, a traditional dating agency and the leading dating specialist for single, articulate people of the professions.

For your peace of mind, Select Personal Introductions has never changed ownership or been part of a franchise nor does it have a diluted membership due to being spread too thinly across the United Kingdom. We are not an online dating service, nor do we operate using a PO BOX.

Select Personal Introductions is a traditional and exclusive dating agency, specifically designed for single articulate people from the professional, managerial, creative, media fields and recognised professions, living or working within Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Chester, Wirral, North Wales, West Yorkshire, Leeds and South Cumbria areas.

Select Personal Introductions is a member of the Association of British Introduction Agencies and is the only ABIA regulated traditional dating agency in the Northwest and surrounding areas which is dedicated to people of the professions.

The ABIA was set up at the instigation of the Government in 1981 to protect consumers and we are pleased that our consultative service is managed by Mr Alex Mellor-Brook, (A.B.I.A. Elected Council Member since 2001) with a background in business, marketing and corporate management.

For your FREE information pack please call our friendly customer services team today on 0161 872 3900 or complete our application form online and let us help you find a long-lasting, loving relationship.

Fun

If that is what you call spending your valuable ‘me’ time, sitting at a computer trawling through pages of photos and details. You might even find a profile which fits the bill but then you have to hope that the other person has written the truth about themselves. Men love to gain a couple of inches in height, women suddenly drop a dress size or three, and we all like to knock a few years off our age. Is your profile and photograph attractive enough to encourage the opposite sex to contact you? The usual answer, NO. This is where it can quickly unravel.  How do other people perceive us? Probably a lot differently than we perceive ourselves and it is this perception which determines the success or failure of any on-line dating venture.

Cheap

Yes, if you have the time to spare and you are happy to do all the work but, you get what you pay for. You might be able to view all your ‘compatible’ matches for free but YOU HAVE TO PAY TO CONTACT THEM! The reality – nothing is free!

On-line Dating Seduction

When an on-line dating site states that they match you on the deepest levels of Intellect, Character and Values, they mean a COMPUTER matches you. The only human input is you, the individual entering details on a profile form. The computer generates matches according to those details whether they are true or false and that is what they call a COMPATIBLE MATCH.

Profiles and Compatibility Questionnaires

As we all know, any articulate and intelligent person can provide answers which will make them seem more appealing and to be apparently looking for a deeply meaningful lasting relationship. It’s a personal promotional sales pitch of the kind that many people use from time to time throughout their lives to get what they want – it isn’t real! That’s why Sir Alan Sugar has his hench men and women to grill his “Apprentice” candidates – they always lie on their CVs.

Security

On-line dating is unregulated. People can be who or whatever they wish to be, nobody monitors memberships other than to make sure you have paid and there is no one to contact for help when it all goes wrong.

The Dating Agency

Select Personal Introductions Agency

For many years Select Personal Introductions has built a strong reputation of introducing successful and intelligent people to other professional life partners. Whether you are just climbing the first rungs of your professional career or enjoying the well-deserved fruits of hard work and success, Select Personal Introductions can help you find your ideal match. We believe that every relationship is unique and so our professional dating consultants provide ongoing individual and personal assistance throughout your membership.

Members

Our members are introduced by experienced dating consultants – never by computers and when we make a new personal introduction, our personal matching consultants examine all your requirements in conjunction with other member portfolios.

Our Consultants

Our relationship consultants and the matching team meet to discuss individual memberships, taking into account personality, interests, the kind of person you would like to meet, and crucial characteristics derived from our unique personality profiling questionnaire i.e. shared values, opinions and expectations. This helps in developing a strong, long lasting relationship and alongside our unique feedback system we are able to monitor your individual progress.

Regulated Agency

Select Personal Introductions is the only registered agency within the Association of British Introductions Agencies with members from the Northwest and surrounding areas, aimed at people of the professions and providing you with a guaranteed quality service by using a unique matching process.

Safety

Safety is a MUST and our membership guidelines have been formatted exclusively by the Greater Manchester Police.  Select Personal Introductions is regulated through membership of the Association of British Introduction Agencies and Data Protected – all information is treated in the strictest confidence.

Valuable Agency Contact

Our committed customer care team is available to answer any questions you might have about your Select Personal Introductions membership. Our services team are highly trained and ready to take your call on 0161 872 3900 so whether you simply want advice, information or support, we are always happy to help.

The Fee

Naturally, this type of service is to be looked at as making a genuine investment in your future and with everyone paying the premium, they all have the same desire – to be in a long-lasting, loving relationship.

The speed at which female fertility declines has been highlighted by the first study to track a woman’s supply of eggs from conception to the menopause. The average 30-year-old will have just 12 per cent – barely an eighth – of her eggs left, the research shows. By her 40th birthday the situation is even more bleak, with just 3 per cent of the two million or so eggs she was born with remaining. Only about 450 of the two million eggs will fully mature over a woman’s lifetime. Many others will start to mature before dying off.

“It sends a strong message to wannabe mums that ‘sooner is better,’ says Dr. Simckes. “I have been telling patients for years that a woman’s ability to conceive peaks in her late teens stays fairly stable until 30 and nosedives after 35.”

For women aged 30-33, the anticipated two-year wait for a first child has now increased to 3.5 years on average.

Research suggests that the trend towards later maternity is strongest among women with better educational qualifications, with some postponing child rearing to pursue their careers. Education opportunities are much better for women and they are taking on high level positions in the workforce. The knock on effect of this is that they have to be careful about when they leave work to start a family. In addition, some women who have already reared a family wish to have another child with a new partner, and some have simply not met the ‘right’ partner.

Maxine, matching coordinator for Select Personal Introductions advises “Don’t leave something this important to chance. It really is one of the biggest regrets women have in their lives and I see this only too often.  At Select we are able to match women to those men who wish to start a family too so it really speeds up the whole process. It is important to dedicate the same effort that you put into developing and planning your career into having a family.”

Select Personal Introductions can introduce you to like-minded members with the same aspirations and goals for the future. Why wait? Call our friendly customer services team today on 0161 872 3900.