Back in 2017, Virtual Innovation was born from a simple but powerful idea—work smarter, work remotely, and use cutting-edge technology to help businesses thrive online.

But the journey started long before that.

I’m Stephen, and my love for web design and digital marketing didn’t begin in a classroom or a corporate office. It started when I was 24, working as a marketing assistant in the insurance industry. The job was fine, but I wanted more—something creative, something challenging. That’s when I stumbled into an online marketing event at the Stamford Plaza.

I walked in knowing nothing about websites or online marketing. But by the end of the day? I was explaining it to others. Turns out, I had a knack for taking complex ideas and making them simple. That day, I even won a prize for making an online sale in under 24 hours. The thrill of that win changed everything.

In that same audience, I met Bryce. An entrepreneur through and through, Bryce had already built a couple of businesses. We got talking, pooled our resources, and jumped into a digital marketing course together. That was 16 years ago. Since then, we’ve built and run multiple businesses, with Virtual Innovation being the culmination of everything we’ve learned.

We’ve always believed that business should work for people, not the other way around. That’s why we built Virtual Innovation around remote work, flexible hours, and results-driven projects.

Our team isn’t just a group of employees—we’re a tight-knit crew, many of whom have worked together for over 14 years. We value our time, our families, and the ability to do work that matters. That’s why we love working virtually—less time commuting means more time with the people who matter most. Whether it’s making it to a school sports day or taking a midday break to recharge, we believe life should come first.

And when we work? We’re all in.

So many businesses struggle to showcase what makes them great. We’ve seen it time and time again—brilliant companies hiding behind generic websites that don’t do them justice. We knew we could change that.

Unlike traditional web designers, we don’t just make things look pretty. We build websites that convert. Because at the end of the day, a website isn’t just an online brochure—it’s a business tool.

We do our best work with high-value service and product companies—businesses that need to communicate their worth online, even when customers can’t physically see or touch the end product. It’s a challenge, but one we thrive on. When we help a business clearly articulate its value, position itself as a leader, and turn website visitors into customers, it’s incredibly rewarding.

One of my favourite success stories? A client in the apparel industry who had never had a website but knew they needed one. When they first came to us, they looked just like every other competitor—nothing special, nothing memorable.

But we dug deeper. What made them unique? Their passion for motor racing and rally cars. So we helped them reposition their brand to lean into that niche. The result? A website that didn’t just blend in—it stood out. Soon, they were swamped with inquiries from exactly the right type of customers. That’s what happens when you get the positioning right.

At Virtual Innovation, we don’t just build websites—we build opportunities.

Beyond our work, we’re big supporters of the Adult ADHD and Dyslexia space. It’s something close to our hearts, and we believe in raising awareness and championing growth in this area—both in New Zealand and globally. Everyone deserves the tools and support to thrive, and we’re proud to do our part in making that happen.

Because at the end of the day, Virtual Innovation isn’t just about building websites. It’s about creating impact—whether for our clients, our team, or the communities we care about.

Creative Director

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