Make a date: We

The last year of lockdown has compromised a lot of friendships and relationships so the launch of Sarah Gillmore and Emily Stevens’ new business Just Good Company comes at rather a good time...

Have you ever turned down an invite to an event because you haven’t got a suitable plus one to bring along? Or decided not to enter a 5K challenge due to the fact you don’t know anyone who be your running buddy? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to try out a new restaurant but are put off by dining alone? Or you’ve not gone to see a film you fancy because your other half wasn’t interested?

Well, all these types of scenarios kickstarted Sarah Gillmore and her friend Emily Stevens to recently launch their new business Just Good Company which offers companionship without the pressure of forming a romantic relationship.

“We were gathered together one Valentine’s evening with a group of single women, bemoaning the online dating phenomenon,” explains Sarah.

“We were discussing how nice it would be to be able to meet someone of the opposite gender with no agenda, other than to spend an hour or two in their company.

“Sometimes, it would be lovely to be able to go for a walk, a cup of coffee, or a pub lunch, with someone offering companionship and no ties. In a world where we are supposedly ‘connected’, there is a lot of disconnection and loneliness, particularly amongst both the young and the elderly.”

And so the idea for Just Good Company was born.

The pair of good friends quickly saw the benefits of expanding this idea out to include anyone who just needed companionship for an event or exercise no matter what gender or relationship status.

“Just Good Company isn’t necessarily for people who are friendless or even lonely. Sometimes it’s difficult to find companions for simple things like going for a walk because they’re not on the same schedule as you. Or maybe you’ve left it too late to invite a friend along to a ticketed event. Just Good Company can offer that companionship. There is no end-goal apart from having a nice time, maybe some interesting conversation and a change of scene.”

And although Sarah and Emily had the idea for Just Good Company before the pandemic it has turned out to be rather fortuitous timing for them given that we all now find ourselves in a more isolated situation due to the various lockdowns.

“The pandemic has magnified the potential for this idea, with its fall-out of loss, loneliness, and changes in working life.”

The women cite the working from home phenomenon of the past year has also been an important catalyst.

“Where once people did have a ‘built-in’ social life with colleagues, now it is difficult to find someone local, just to have a drink with after work.”

And they say the high incidence of loss, relationship breakdowns and

There is no endgoal apart from having a nice time and maybe some interesting conversation

social isolation have also increased the need for new connections.

“Sometimes it would be a boost to be able to sit in an internet café, working alongside someone who would appreciate the odd coffee-break and brainstorm.”

And they say that Just Good Company isn’t limited to offering connections to just locally based people.

“If you’re on business or new to an area, how useful it would be to meet up with a local prepared to show you around or take you to the best bars and cafes? Sometimes, you need someone to motivate you or give you courage to join a new class or activity - or start an exercise schedule.”

Sarah and Emily are also keen to stress that the key to their new business is that there really is no pressure.

“You could be very happy being alone, but every now and again would relish the occasional, non-pressured companionship without a hidden agenda. By joining Just Good Company you’re not committing to a friendship or a life-long partner – although that could be possible. Just good company for an hour or two, or maybe more.”

CONTACTS: Web www.justgoodcompany.co.uk Instagram and Facebook justgoodcompany.jgc.