Tara Turkington has led Flow Communications from a small start-up to a recognised South African multi-sector company.
In 2005, Tara Turkington founded Flow Communications (Flow) from her home in Johannesburg. What began as a small venture has since developed into one of South Africa’s established communications agencies. Turkington aimed to build a company that used storytelling not only as a marketing tool but also as a means of fostering connection and raising awareness on social issues.
The media founder holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Arts from the University of Montana in the United States, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her academic grounding in the humanities and education has influenced her approach to communications and leadership, particularly her focus on clarity, impact, and accessibility.
Today, her agency, Flow Communications, employs around 60 staff members, working largely on a remote basis. The agency’s services include brand strategy, content development, public relations, social media management, graphic design, website and app development, and crisis communication training. Its client base features organisations such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Hollard Insurance, and several non-profit initiatives across the continent.
Tara Turkington and her team have driven award-winning campaigns that focus not only on business growth but social relevance and environmental stewardship. Highlights include multi-award-winning campaigns for Marine Protected Areas, rural education initiatives, HIV and Tuberculosis awareness projects, and tourism promotion in Africa. Many of these initiatives have been recognised in industry awards, reflecting the agency’s ability to combine commercial and public-interest objectives.
Innovation and recognition
Flow has invested in digital tools and innovation. One example is the TriggerMessage app, which utilises artificial intelligence for customer engagement and has been recognised at several marketing industry awards. In 2025, the agency received seven awards at the WesBank New Generation Awards. Flow was also ranked as the top digital specialist agency in sub-Saharan Africa by the MMA Smarties Business Impact Index in 2024.
Additionally, the company holds a Level 1 B-BBEE rating, placing it among South African firms acclaimed for transformation and inclusivity.
Expansion into travel
Alongside its communications work, Tara Turkington has also ventured into tourism through Flow Travel, a related business offering bespoke travel experiences both within and outside South Africa. The initiative came about due to Turkington’s interest in extending the company’s expertise into other service areas while maintaining the same commitment to authenticity, client-focused service, and quality delivery that meets global standards.
As the businesswoman continues to lead and grow her brand’s footprint, the company aims to balance its role as a commercial agency with its involvement in socially focused projects.
