The service I wish had existed.
Divorced at fifty after thirty-four years of marriage, James rebuilt his life in Vietnam — and founded Heritage Union to give other men the process he couldn't find for himself.
A life across three continents.
James was born and raised in South Africa, where he married his high school sweetheart at twenty-two. Together they built a life and raised two children.
In 1996, a two-year working holiday took the family to the United Kingdom. Two years became fourteen — careers built, children raised, a new chapter embraced. In 2007, another opportunity took them to Dubai, where they lived for fifteen years.
"Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for those experiences — for the privilege of raising a family while living and working in different parts of the world."
A new chapter, unexpectedly
Following his divorce at fifty, after thirty-four years in a loving, committed relationship, James found himself navigating a world he knew very little about.
Rather than return to the familiar, he chose a new adventure — Southeast Asia, a region that had fascinated him for years. Having travelled through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam with his family, he eventually made Da Nang, Vietnam his home.
Discovering Vietnam
From the moment he arrived, James was captivated by Vietnam's warmth, energy and culture — a people he found welcoming, hardworking and deeply proud of their country, with an emphasis on family, respect and community he found both refreshing and inspiring.
As he immersed himself in everyday life, he came to appreciate the same qualities in many Vietnamese women: intelligent, independent, family-oriented and grounded in traditional values, while embracing modern life with confidence and ambition. Above all, people who valued genuine relationships and meaningful futures.
What the modern dating world got wrong
Like many re-entering the dating world later in life, James tried everything available to him — dating apps, introductions through friends, social events, networking groups, coffee dates, lunches, dinners.
What he found was a process that often felt frustrating, time-consuming and uncertain. Conversations rarely led anywhere meaningful. Profiles didn't always reflect reality. Intentions were often unclear.
He realised he wasn't alone. Many successful men had experienced exactly the same frustrations. They weren't looking for endless dating, or casual encounters. They were looking for companionship. Marriage. Family. Someone to build the next chapter of life with.
It became clear there had to be a better way. When James couldn't find the service he was looking for, he decided to create it.
Heritage Union was founded on a simple belief: meaningful relationships deserve more care, professionalism and support than modern dating typically provides.
Our role is not simply to introduce people. Our role is to understand our clients, carefully assess compatibility, personally screen potential partners, provide cultural guidance, and create the best possible environment for genuine long-term relationships to develop.
Every client's journey is personal. Every introduction is carefully considered. Every relationship deserves respect.
Together with Huyen, Heritage Union's Vietnam Relationship & Cultural Manager, James combines local knowledge, cultural understanding and a highly personalised concierge approach — supporting both clients and the women who choose to become part of the Heritage Union community.
"For me, Heritage Union is far more than a business. It is the service I wish had existed when I began my own journey."James, Founder
I look forward to hearing your story.
If James's experience can help others find companionship, happiness, marriage and family, Heritage Union will have fulfilled exactly what it was created to do. Every consultation begins as a private conversation with him directly — thirty unhurried minutes, entirely confidential, no obligation.
A private conversation with James.
Thirty unhurried minutes with James to understand your hopes and answer your questions — discreet, considered, and entirely without obligation.
- 30 minutes, by private video call
- Confidential from the first word
- Directly with our founder, James
- No obligation, no pressure