Online Dating Services

Online dating services give people the opportunity to find each other and meet for a fraction of the cost of conventional dating agencies. They usually allow you to search using a combination of geographic and lifestyle/physical questions - with those closely matching your search being shown.
You can then decide to meet someone - or talk to them more online. Don't think that you have to ask them straight out on a hot date - if you want to meet someone who likes cycling, walking or sailing then why not ask them if they would like to meet up with you to do that.
Though most agencies allow you to search for free - you need to join in order to contact someone. This is usually relatively inexpensive with 3 months membership typically being £30 to £40.

Dating Direct Singles Dating Agency

The UK's largest dating service with over 3 million members. Allows you to do an initial search without joining. You can join for free - which allows you to do searches.

Single Solutions UK

An agency that organises events such as dinners for professionals. Their main advantages are -

• Guests can see the number, age and background of people who have signed up to go, before they buy a ticket
• Guests can contact each other before, during and after the event using our online anonymous messaging system
• They guarantee a 50-50 male-female mix (within a few percent) at all events they organise - and you can see this online
• All events are targeted at a specific age group and background. Someone of your parents or children's age won't be pestering you!
• All events are held at top bars or clubs on mid week evenings - when you're less likely to be booked up! They also ensure that the general public do not have access during the events.
• They provide ice breakers and other creative, fun methods to help you circulate and meet people.