Stephanie Bryan at work

A “virtual assistant” company which supports Redbridge businesses, including architects and a women’s network, is set to expand into its owner’s garden.

Stephanie Bryan, 38, of St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, and a small core staff offer the services that an office-based secretary or PA would from their homes.

She set up Your Remote PA in 2008, swapping a 12-hour working day in the corporate world for running the business from her own house.

In February, she will open a “hub-style” office in her garden which clients will be able to use for hot desking. Through women’s business group The Athena Network and its branches in Chigwell and South Woodford, she is also planning an overall relaunch of her business.

Stephanie said: “Having met a wonderful network of businesswomen, I want an interactive website that can also be used as a base for clients to go to for advice on starting up their businesses.

“I can recommend local business women whom I know personally.”

Clients, also including Michael Miller Associates, an architects’ firm in Eastwood Close, South Woodford, and Envigour Pilates in The Charter Road, Woodford Green, send administrative tasks, such as typing up dictation or book-keeping, to the company by email.

Stephanie has two full-time staff members and five people working from home who take on the admin jobs.

She said she meets all her clients to establish what their expectations are.

She said starting the business had provided her with a better work-life balance after spending 16 years in property and then in telecommunications.

She explained: “I’ve got a young son. I was working 12 hour days and I couldn’t spend that time with him.

“I can be flexible with the hours I work, I can work on the weekend or on evenings.

“It isn’t easy being a VA [virtual assistant] but I would certainly recommend it.”