Clare Gillbanks Interview

Clare founded Meet at Last in September 2003 and has since established a successful start up business running events for single people in London creating a Ltd company in 2005.
With an extensive background in marketing, a long-standing interest in organising parties and a passion for bringing people together, Clare really is an entrepreneur worth watching.

The Interview

Damien Senn: Clare, what inspired you to set up Meet at Last?

Clare Gillbanks: I decided to throw a big party for my 30th and spent ages trying to find a venue that suited me for private hire on a Saturday for a big crowd. Of course, I ended up booking the bar next to my office called The Last. The party was excellent and I stood amongst all my family friends wondering if I could fill the room with single people. I was single at the time and had been to one or two organised singles events but wasn’t very impressed with them and knew I could do better.

Damien Senn: Did your idea for the business come in a flash of inspiration or was it something that unfolded in your mind over time?

Clare Gillbanks: It was a flash of inspiration at the party, which developed into a plan – fuelled by a real desire to meet someone myself in a fun environment where I would feel comfortable. I decided to run a test event charging £5 a ticket and asking all my friends and colleagues to send the email invitation to any single people they knew. I had a lot of support starting out and the party was a great success. After that I was encouraged to try another, this time with a DJ and a web page to take ticket bookings online. It grew quite naturally from there with me having over 400 people at the first Valentines Party Night in 2004. That’s when I knew I could look at it as a viable business model.

Damien Senn: How is 'Meet at Last' different from other dating businesses?

Clare Gillbanks: Meet at Last is unique in that we deliberately don’t do gimmicks or games to get people mixing and interacting. We don’t offer speed dating, formal matching or embarrassing icebreakers. I’m targeting people who don’t’ need those to get chatting to someone but enjoys a fantastic night out in a room full of single people where you simply increase your chances of expanding your social circle and maybe meet someone special.

Damien Senn:What are some of the challenges that your events help single people overcome?

Clare Gillbanks: Meeting new people in London can be really tough, especially if you don’t always want to socialise with work or if you all your friends seem to have settled down or partnered off. Meet at Last offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a safe environment where they know there are plenty of other people in the same boat. Some of the events we offer also give people the chance to try new activities they may not otherwise consider such as dance lessons or wine tasting.

Damien Senn: What role has the internet played in helping people become more familiar with your singles parties?

Clare Gillbanks: It is very much an online business and the Internet provides economies of scale in communication, advertising and promotion. The web also gives consumers a discreet way of checking out a company profile before booking and gaining information from existing customers about their experience of it. It’s can be a delicate topic being single and wanting to change your status or meet new people. I also couldn’t offer such cost effective ticket prices if I had to speak to every customer who wanted to book a place, though I do try to meet everyone at the events. The Internet has given me a platform on which to really explore the business opportunities, partnering with relevant affiliates and creating a brand presence. Companies like http://www.loveandfriends.com/ where invaluable in helping me establish a client base and get the brand out there to the right audience.

Damien Senn: What kind of romantic success stories have some of your clients experienced?

Clare Gillbanks: I hear a new success story every week from my customers or new people who are referred to Meet at Last from newly matched couples. Not that I use that as a way to promote the business as most people don’t like to tempt fate by going public and unfortunately there is still a small stigma attached to going to singles events – something I have made my mission to change!

Damien Senn: What was the biggest challenge that had to overcome when setting up your business?

Clare Gillbanks: Where to start? It is so daunting when you don’t know who to trust or believe even once you get what sounds like great advice. I had fantastic support from friends and family and companies who believed in what I was trying to achieve. I learned early on that there is no shame in asking for help and for the most part, people are keen to share their experience. I work on the basis that help will be reciprocated and collaboration is a feature of success in business.

The other thing I’d say is networking is crucial. It’s something I am known for but it’s amazing how just by talking to people you discover resources, tips and recommendations you’d not otherwise have found. There are some things you should not cut corners with either – accounts, tax and admin are vital and be careful how you invest in marketing your business – test what works and spread your risk.

Damien Senn: Are there any other thoughts, insights, or advice that you would like to offer would be entrepreneurs thinking about setting up their own business?

Clare Gillbanks: The Internet can be a vast resource base when you are starting your business – particularly if you know how it works and where to look. Look for seminars and meetings that will expand your knowledge and network. Stretch yourself and it’s amazing what you will get satisfaction from learning you can do! Finally do you best to stay fit and healthy. I’m the first to admit to all night sessions online researching and building my business but you need to get rest, exercise and perspective to be able to enjoy it. Good luck to anyone starting out on their own, it’s something I will never regret.

For more info on Clare please see www.meetatlast.com