Proudly supporting Horizonally
Horizonally, founded by Kieran Smith — a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the hotel, hospitality, and tourism industries working with top-tier luxury brands — specialises in curating bespoke, exclusive, and unforgettable travel experiences for both business and leisure clients.
As the demands of managing day-to-day operations began to take time away from business growth, Kieran turned to SmartPA for a solution. By outsourcing administrative tasks, he was able to refocus his efforts on what he does best — delivering exceptional, tailor-made travel experiences.
The Challenge
Before working with SmartPA, Horizonally's founder, Kieran, found that a significant portion of his weekly hours was consumed by various administrative tasks. Managing day-to-day operations, handling client-facing responsibilities, and juggling the broader demands of growing the business solo became overwhelming.
An initial attempt to use a “by the hour” support service proved ineffective due to geographical limitations, leaving Horizonally in need of a more reliable solution. This prompted Kieran to explore outsourcing a personal assistant (PA), which ultimately led him to discover SmartPA.
Why SmartPA?
After a few initial conversations with SmartPA’s sales team, it became clear that their service would be a better fit for Horizonally's needs.
The overall impression from everyone involved, starting from sales to the Client Success team, was excellent — friendly yet professional.
From there, the onboarding meeting was seamless and positive, setting the tone for the partnership, confirming for Horizonally that choosing SmartPA was the right decision for the business.
How does Horizonally use SmartPA?
What began as simple administrative tasks, such as inbox and diary management, quickly evolved into more strategic support. Impressed by SmartPA’s efficiency and accuracy, Kieran expanded responsibilities, fostering a strong sense of trust and mutual respect.
Today, SmartPA plays an integral role in the business, offering invaluable insights and support allowing Kieran to focus on the growth of his business, becoming an invaluable part of Horizonally's daily operations.
The Results
The support of a skilled and experienced SmartPA has been transformative for Horizonally.
With administrative tasks taken off his plate, Kieran can now focus more on the core aspects of the business, resulting in a noticeable increase in revenue, growth, and an overall improvement in his quality of life.
Beyond the business benefits, SmartPA’s involvement has been a game-changer for Kieran’s personal lifestyle. The biggest impact hasn’t been measured in numbers, but in time — he now has more time to spend with his family, and the balance between work and life has significantly improved.
SmartPA’s support has also made planning holidays, both for clients and personally, much easier. This newfound flexibility has brought Kieran closer to achieving long-term lifestyle goals that once felt out of reach.
Tips for Other Businesses
For businesses in a similar position, it’s important to be clear about your objectives from the start. Don’t be afraid to raise concerns early on in the process! Regular check-ins with Client Success have also proven invaluable, and SmartPA’s flexibility in facilitating these meetings has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of this partnership.
Looking for Bespoke Travel Planning?
If you’re a business owner, professional, or individual seeking tailored travel arrangements, Horizonally is here to help. With over 20 years of experience, Kieran will curate a journey that caters to your needs—from meticulously planned holidays to seamless business trips, Horizonally takes the stress out of travel arrangements.
Visit Horizonally.co.uk to start planning your next trip today.