A Devon-based personal concierge, Abbie Manning, says she now earns three times more than she did as a superyacht stewardess by helping wealthy clients manage their homes, travel and daily arrangements. Her work has drawn attention because it includes unpacking food deliveries at luxury holiday properties so families can arrive to fully stocked kitchens, reflecting growing demand for high-end convenience services outside London. The story matters as an example of how niche lifestyle support roles are expanding within the luxury market.

Manning, 30, launched her company, S.W V.I.P Concierge, in November 2023 after spending five years in the superyacht industry and spotting what she saw as a gap in the market. She describes her role as a mix of personal concierge, executive assistant and personal assistant, with tasks ranging from booking private chefs and organising tradespeople to managing diaries, planning events and overseeing properties across Europe. One example she gave was being asked to drive a client’s Bentley from the UK to a Tuscan estate, while she said online audiences are especially fascinated by videos of her preparing holiday homes with groceries, chilled drinks and organised kitchens before clients arrive.