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a fantastic opportunity has arisen to purchase a profitable social events club established in 1989 for single people. Since its inception the business has grown and today it boasts 16, 000 registered members. The business aims to provide its members, who are busy single people, with a secure and relaxed environment in which they have the opportunity to make new friends, try new activities, network and visit exciting and interesting places. Members meet numerous unattached people of similar ages at dinner parties in fashionable restaurants, private clubs and hotels; also at weekend breaks and holidays and cultural and sporting events. Attention is paid to ensure members receive a high quality of food and service at each event. The numbers that attend evening dinner events are usually 32 for dinner parties, 60 at buffets, and often over 200 at black-tie balls. Revenues come from registration fees, annual update fees, sales events and commissions from tour operators on the sale of holidays. The target member for the business is affluent, single, over 25 and too busy to organise their own social life in such a way as to meet other single people. The business does not compete with one-to-one dating agencies, instead it provides a social network in which groups of members can meet in relaxed and enjoyable surroundings. The membership registration fee is £170 plus vat for the year, with an ongoing yearly fee to maintain the membership. The owner of the business owns several domain names to do with the business which could be used in future if the purchaser wished to expand the business. All the domain names will be included in the sale of the business. This business is now in its 21st year and the current owner has built the business up to be very popular amongst its target market. It has a reputation for top quality service and events. Clients: the business benefits from having 16,000 registered members. The target market is affluent singles over 25. Technology: the database comprises details of over 24, 000 people. It has been developed on microsoft access, providing staff with members’ details, photos and their purchasing history. There are tested, proven and documented processes for filling the events and the computerised systems ensure capture of all pertinent information for the smooth running of the business the owner manages the finances and inputs data into a sage accounting system and updates the website. Key strengths: • members pay up front for all events, thus the business is cash positive, making payment to the venue on the day of the event. • the business has a long established presence (this is its 21st year in the sector). • the business has a large database of members with high disposable income. • the business has a close knit team who have valuable experience of successfully organising and hosting social events for their members. • processes and procedures are documented and proven for successful events. • the business has a long history of trust with various suppliers which means that negotiated discounts are available, allowing a margin to be enjoyed, whilst members are charged the normal going rate for the event. • great care is paid to the member relationship management which generates repeat business via follow up calls after each event. The business also acts as a conduit for members to exchange contact details when agreed by both parties. • the business is recognised as a leading events/organiser/promoter/manager for large and small groups of single people. • the business has an excellent reputation for confidentiality and professionalism. • the staff contribute to the company’s success and attention is paid to their motivation. Key opportunities: the success of the business in the london area over a long period has led to demand from other parts of the uk which is not currently being serviced. The current owner believes that there is an opportunity to franchise the operation and there is a framework already in place to exploit this demand. There is also scope to develop the holiday businesses. It would also be possible to increase the number of major events beyond the m25 circle to capitalise on good margins available. There is ongoing investment in it systems /software and website to permit expansion of the business and a sister company has been formed to capitalise on members who have found partners and wish to continue to attend organised events. Advertising and marketing: until recently the business advertised in national newspapers such as the sunday times and various specialist magazines; however the current focus has been heavily on pr. The business promotes events on their web site and contacts members by email and telephone to achieve the target number for each event. The business also benefit from positive word of mouth from their existing members.

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