Facilities that provide those who work from home with a virtual office of their own has been praised for the business edge it can provide.

According to the Indy Star, people who run a small business from the comfort of their own home can find that a virtual office allows better progress in meetings and a more professional edge.

Speaking about the virtual office provider Intelligent Office, consultant Lalita Amos explained the benefits she was experiencing.

"My business has grown by about a third since going to Intelligent Office. I’m getting bigger-ticket clients and international clients," she said, according to the newspaper.

Ms Amos added that if she had had to hold such meetings in her home rather than using the virtual office – where receptionist facilities and conference rooms can be rented – meetings "may not have gone that well".

A recent report by BT revealed that thousands of small business bosses would like to work from outside the office.