Flow Communications celebrates an auspicious birthday this year – we’re turning 20!
And since our humble beginnings in the spare bedroom of one of our founders in 2005, we’ve always believed there’s a market for quality in communications. That’s why we aspire to be South Africa’s best agency rather than its biggest.
In the two decades of our existence, we have told powerful stories, built digital platforms, won multiple awards and delivered work that matters – with people who care.
Today, we’re a fully remote working digital and creative agency. (Yes, we chose not to go back to an office after Covid-19, and we’ve never looked back; we rock remote working!)
Though some things haven’t changed much in the past 20 years – many of us are, once again, back in our spare bedrooms – our culture has never been stronger and our work never sharper. We’ve stayed true to what makes us Flow: independent, people-powered and grounded in purpose. Our mantra has always been a rather simple one: to do work we love, with people we like, to make the world a better place.
Some of the highlights over the past 20 years include being the agency behind Table Mountain being declared one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, getting Homo naledi trending worldwide at number one on X/Twitter and reaching over one billion people through social media and public relations coverage of Barack Obama’s Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2018.
We’re also proud of the awards we’ve won – over 200 in total, but more importantly, more than 40 awards for different clients, showing our ability to produce award-winning work over and over again.
Currently, we are the Best Agency in Africa according to the global Indie Awards for independent agencies. We’re also the Best Large Agency for public relations, awarded at the Prisms, and we’re the leading digital/specialist agency in sub-Saharan Africa according to the MMA SMARTIES Business Impact Index.
Flow is built on passion, people and purpose – the foundation of everything we’ve achieved together. What a ride it’s been ...
What our leaders say
“Flow is not just a company; it’s a revolution. A revolution for change, for positivity, for telling the stories about the great work that is happening to make our country and continent great. It’s a group of people who attract meaningful work and relationships and who strive for partnership and collaboration.” – Tiffany Turkington-Palmer, Flow managing director
“Every day, I’m surrounded by smart, generous, creative people who lift each other up. The shout-outs in our morning meetings aren’t just routine – they’re reminders of the kind of culture we’ve built: fun, high-quality and endlessly innovative. We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously – and that balance allows us to do work that matters, with people who matter. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” – Tara Turkington, Flow CEO
What our clients say
“Our content marketing efforts with Flow across public relations, thought leadership, social media and newsletters have raised awareness about our work and our stature as an organisation, and have ultimately contributed strongly to us raising the funds we needed to roll out – and even grow – our offering in disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa.
“On a personal note, at Good Work Foundation we work hard to find like-minded partners, and we love the heart that each Flow team member has for the young people we work with. They care about what we do, and they’re as passionate as we are about transforming South Africa and opening new and bright possibilities for our youth. I am grateful for their partnership and look forward to many more years of working together.” – Kate Groch, Good Work Foundation
“The agency is creative, strategic, proactive, responsive to our needs, diligent and brand-centred.” – Lucy Saint-Antonin, TLScontact
“Flow Communications is recognised for its creativity, strategic approach, proactivity, responsiveness, attention to detail and focus on brand alignment.” – Petro van Rhyn, CapeNature
“On a number of occasions, Flow’s work for the foundation has won industry awards. Not surprisingly, then, the Flow team routinely exhibits professionalism, creativity and commitment to shared goals. Fundamental to the partnership has been Flow’s passion for Nelson Mandela and for the work he mandated the foundation to do. All along, this has given us a strong values alignment. I would recommend Flow Communications for any marketing- or communications-related project.” – Verne Harris, Nelson Mandela Foundation
“The agency is creative, strategic, proactive, responsive, diligent and brand-centred.” – Hannah Keal, African Health Research Institute
What our peers say
“I’ve known Tara and the Flow team for many years and while we technically compete in the same industry, I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for their work. They’re smart, creative and forward-thinking in the way they partner with their clients, which you can see the results of in the work they produce. Tara’s built a team that really cares, and it shows. Flow is one of the agencies I genuinely enjoy watching, learning from and cheering on.” – Nicky James, Tribeca
“You guys set the bar for our industry and have paved the way for purpose-driven work. Onwards and upwards to the next decade 🔥.” – Tracy Jones, Dialogue
“Flow Communications has been contributing a monthly column for The Media Online’s newsletter for the past four years. The stories, written by a cross-section of the company’s excellent writers, are among the most well-read on the business-to-business site for media professionals. And the technology and social media columns are the most popular, delivered as they are in a way in which readers understand, giving them insights into and knowledge of some of the trickiest aspects of digital marketing.” – Glenda Nevill, The Media Online
“Legendary status: unlocked. Huge congratulations to Tara Turkington, WPO JHB 2 [chapter] member, on being named an #IndieLegend – one of the global marketing industry’s top honours! For 20 years, Flow Communications has been a force in shaping brands and stories, led by Tara and her sister Tiffany Turkington-Palmer. This award celebrates not just their legacy, but the bold, brilliant leadership behind it. We’re so proud to celebrate this milestone with you!” – Women Presidents Organization (South Africa)
What our Flowstars say
“Flow Communications is such an incredible company to work for and to collaborate with, as it offers me valuable insights into different sectors. I enjoy every moment working at Flow, as I feel empowered every day :).” – Khaya Thwala
“I can confidently say that this company is in a league of its own. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed and valued. The culture here is nothing short of amazing and the projects we undertake are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s truly a pleasure to be a part of a team that consistently produces outstanding results.” – Miliswa Sitshwele
“Flow Communications? Absolute legends! Clever, creative and total crusaders for great ideas. The kind of cool cats who make magic happen – and make our partners and clients look great while doing it.” – Edwin Reichel
“I’ve been with Flow for more than 10 years, and no day is the same. I continue to be inspired and motivated by the work we are doing on the continent.” – Gail Tanner
“Flow is an incredible agency to work for. I really enjoy the kinds of clients we serve, doing important and impactful work across the world. We’re committed, we’re driven and we’re bloody excellent.” – Kneo Mokgopa
“I love working at Flow because it’s a place where creativity, purpose and people truly matter. Every day brings the opportunity to do meaningful work with smart, kind colleagues who care deeply about making a difference.” – Elmarie Harrington
Watch our 20th birthday celebration video for a broader look at our story, milestones and achievements. Here’s to the next 20 years!