IT'S Valentine's Day and with thoughts turning to romance a Hampshire couple has devised a novel way to help other partners fall in love all over again!
Kayleigh and Mike Pursey, both 28, started dating as teenagers at school and never imagined that 13 years later they would set up a successful subscription box company that would also strengthen their own relationship.
The pair run Date Night, a business designed to ignite any relationship month after month. Delivered straight to the door, Date Night is a monthly subscription box service that provides couples with everything they need to enjoy a date-night experience in the comfort of their own home.
Kayleigh believes so strongly in this business she left her job as a physiotherapist at Salisbury District Hospital to set it up with Mike, her husband of four years.
She says, as a result of realising the importance of spending uninterrupted time together, both on the business and testing out the luxury products in the boxes, their relationship has never been stronger.
Kayleigh explained that she was 15 and Mike was 16 when they first started dating while students at Twynham School, Christchurch.
After she finished university in Bournemouth the couple, from Bransgore in the New Forest, moved in together.
"He was my first love. We grew up together and we've grown together. We've been through lots of experiences together. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2010 and worked at Salisbury District Hospital for six years in different departments and specialised in spinal cord injury.
"I wanted to try something different. I had a very busy job and Mike did too (working in different businesses and financial services) with long hours and weekend working and fitting time in for us was hard - and we don't even have children!
"I'd often be on call and have to be available over night. We went through a phase when we realised we hadn't spent any special time together - what we call 'protected time'."
And so the seed was planted for Date Night - a business that helps other couples enjoy 'protected time' together.
Now Kayleigh says the positive feedback she gets from hundreds of Date Night customers who enjoy romantic evenings together is highly rewarding. She said: “Knowing we are making a positive impact on so many lives across the UK is wonderful.”
As the 'Date Night designer' Kayleigh enjoys researching ideas and sourcing bespoke luxury gifts, often from local suppliers. Recent boxes have included New Forest chocolates, Chilly B handmade bath melts and soaps from Ringwood, and Shaftesbury’s Yuyo herbal tea.
Subscribers receive a stylish box that has been thoughtfully curated around a romantic theme. Each box contains a fully planned date, which is complemented by the selection of bespoke, artisan products, indulgent activities and playful games. The contents change with each delivery so couples can experience fun and imaginative dates every month with minimal preparation or planning.
Research shows that today's couples lead such busy lives it is difficult to find the opportunity to regularly ‘date’ their partner - over 45% of time-poor couples admit that do not regularly date - but when couples do make the effort to spend time together on a regular basis they are 3.5 times more likely to have a happier relationship.
Kayleigh said: “The idea of a date night used to be an uninspiring glass of wine in front of the telly! We wanted something better and so looked at ways we could set aside some protected time to spend together every month, doing something a bit different. The key rule was to switch off phones, TV and social media."
Michael adds: “We wanted a date night that would help us make the most of our time together. Date Night couldn’t be simpler – the box comes ready prepared, personalised and delivered free. Every month is different so you don’t even need to think about how to mix things up a bit. Date Night is the spark that every relationship needs.”
Date Night launched last October. Each month has a different surprise theme with romance, pampering and fun all thrown in the mix. This month's box includes a Valentine Olympics game!
Kayleigh adds: "If you follow all the instructions it can take a good couple of hours. It's all about doing something different. It's a light-hearted way to spend quality time together and just have fun."
Date Night cost £39.95 a month with free delivery. It is proving a popular gift for weddings and anniversaries.
With a Date Night Luxe Gift Card the recipient receives their gift card in a miniature version of Date Night box complete with delicious, handmade New Forest chocolates. The Date Night e-gift card can be sent directly into the recipient’s inbox – perfect for surprising a loved one with a last-minute gift… and one that keeps on giving!
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