A man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis has been able to maintain the business he helped to found by working from home, according to reports.

Ian Richardson established a printing company in northern Scotland with his wife and two former colleagues, and has been able to be a part of the business despite his poor health by setting up a home-based office, reports the Birmingham Post.

And Mr Richardson’s efforts have now earned him national recognition at the Barclays Trading Places Awards, which have been backed by the Prince’s Trust and the Department of Trade and Industry.

"Trading Places is a celebration of unsung heroes who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and, in doing so, changed the direction of their lives for the better," explained Barclays’ regional director for local business David Slane.

A host of prominent organisations, including BT, the RAC Foundation and the British Chamber of Commerce, have given their support for the Work Wise UK initiative, which aims to encouraging home-based working around the country.