October 2003 - National Business Review Article October 17, 2003

A new dating agency specialising in getting business people together is meeting a need in the corporate community, Two's Company founder Sasha Madarasz says.

The former talent manager said opportunities for busy single men and woman seeking relationships were limited, particularly for those in the 30 - 40 year age group who were not interested in chance meetings in bars and nightclubs.

"That is not their environment and they often have to rely on acquaintances of family and friends to find companionship," Ms Madarasz said.

"I have had a lot of interest from adults in business and found so many eligible people - well presented, intelligent and with good jobs but who just don't get the chance to meet partners.

"They work hard, make good money and have plans to do a lot of things such as travel but that's not much fun by yourself - and no one wants to think they will live the rest of their lives alone.

"Some people are quite happy not having a partner and that's fine, but for many others it can cause depression and lack of self-esteem. But a meaningful relationship will lift a person's confidence - and that's got to be good for business."

Ms Madarasz said many business people were alone after marriage breakups caused by putting their careers first and working long hours. They had, however, learned from their mistakes and were ready to commit to a relationship.

Two's Company offers a personal service to bring men and women with similar interests together and researched backgrounds as far as possible to ensure there were no surprises, she said.

"We try to meet specific demands. A 50 year old's needs are different from someone 20 years younger, although everyone wants companionship and commitment with the opportunity for a good relationship."

Ms Madarasz worked for six years as a talent manager with the Show-Off agency finding extras, models and actors for television, advertising, film and photographic work through a database of 9000 people.

"I wanted a business of my own and decided to open a dating agency which specialised in specific areas while taking a personal approach as opposed to the internet dating services," she said.

"I also want to change the way people see dating agencies. They have a certain stigma of desperation. But there are agencies for everything these days, so why not dating?"