Vicky Cargill spends most of her day taking calls and setting up meetings for company managers and directors she has never seen.

Six months ago Vicky set up a virtual PA business, which allows her to work from her home and means she saves around £2,400 a year on petrol. She is also able to juggle the work-home balance better – with the chance to get in a little housework or time off during the day.

After leaving Netherstowe School in Lichfield, Vicky trained as a PA and worked for senior managers in several small and large companies around Stafford, Cannock and Shifnal.

The 38-year-old, who lives in Homestead Court, Stafford, said: “I gradually moved into sales and marketing and was doing advertising for the government’s shared ownership programme with Bromford Housing.

“I spoke to them about working from home one day a week and I discovered that I got 20 per cent more done and I felt a lot more relaxed.”

Six months ago she set up her own company, which she called Remote Business Support.

She said: “It has meant I have a better work-life balance – and with the price of petrol at the moment I am saving around £200 a month.”

According to TUC research, the West Midlands has seen the number of people working from home grow by 38 per cent in the last decade. More than a quarter of a million workers in the region are now based at or usually work from home.

Vicky says not only is she saving on petrol but she is able to get jobs done around the house.

“I found myself working extra hours to please the boss and not having any time for myself.

“Now I am using around 75 per cent less petrol and when I finish at 5pm I am at home and can put the washing on, tidy up and go to the gym.”

“I take calls for managers and directors as well as arrange meetings and seminars, all from my home.

“I believe this is definitely the way forward for businesses that are looking to save money.”

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