Living proof that it’s never too late to change direction and to go for it!
Emma Turnbull
Founder & Principal Consultant
- 10+ Years Experience
- TEDx Event Specialist
About Me
My own journey began at the age of 19 when I moved to Greece for 1 Summer and what turned into an unplanned but transformative 14 years. Working long, demanding hours in the hospitality industry taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life, building invaluable skills in communication, adaptability, and understanding.
Returning to my hometown of Newcastle, I shifted gears and joined a local events company, diving into the world of large-scale event production. I had the privilege of managing high-profile conferences such as TEDxManchester, TEDxNewcastle, TEDxLiverpool and Thinking Digital, while also overseeing the organisation’s administration and financial systems. This role honed my expertise in project management, budgeting, and nurturing strong client relationships.
The unexpected pause brought by Covid gave me the chance to reflect on my path and explore the possibility of working for myself. In June 2022, I launched Virtual Collaborations alongside my employed role. The demand for my services quickly grew, and by August 2023, I took the leap to become fully self-employed—a decision that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting a variety of businesses with bespoke virtual assistance and project management solutions. Whether I’m streamlining workflows, managing schedules, or handling the finer details of business administration, I thrive on making my clients’ lives easier and helping them focus on what truly matters to their success.
It’s not all work though. When I’m not VA-ing or rushing around with a clipboard at events, you’ll find me trying to keep up with a running schedule or getting my steps in. I typically spend about a month over the year in Northern Spain with my partner’s family so I’m doing my very best to improve my Spanish conversational skills. At the same time as not forgetting all the Greek that I have learned! It can be confusing. I’ve recently found a new love of painting after attending a local class. Frida Kahlo I’m not, but colouring books have been ordered.

My Core Values
At Virtual Collaborations, I am driven by four pillars that define my work
Collaboration
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I work closely with my clients, acting as a trusted partner to help them achieve their goals through open communication and teamwork.
Integrity
I believe in building trust through honesty, reliability, and professionalism. Every decision I make is guided by a commitment to doing what’s right for my clients and their businesses.
Flexibility
Life and business are ever-changing, which is why I offer flexible services that adapt to your evolving needs, providing the support you need, exactly when you need it.
Excellence
Whether managing live events or handling the finer details of virtual assistance, I am committed to delivering high-quality work that exceeds expectations every time.
Areas of Expertise
Virtual Assistant Services
- Email Management
- Calendar Organization
- Travel Planning
- Document Preparation
Event Management
- Large-scale In-Person Events
- Partner Relations
- Seamless On-The-Day Delivery
- Ticket Management
Business Operations
- Financial Administration
- Project Management
- Team Coordination
- Client Relations
Let's Work Together
Ready to transform your business operations and create exceptional experiences? Schedule a discovery call to discuss how I can support your goals.