ABi will host the first UK Lifestyle Franchise Showcase on 25th March 2009 at the Chiswick Moran Hotel from 3pm - 8pm. The boutique style event will focus on showcasing low cost franchising as an accessible and viable option for individuals who want to start and manage their own business. Statistics show that franchises are much less likely to suffer business failure than independent businesses with the UK Franchise market sector valued at £10.8 billion by NatWest Bank in 2007.

At the Franchise Lifestyle Showcase, entrepreneurs will meet franchise operators including Pop Stars Academy, Bizara Cards and One Group, learning about the practical realities of successful franchising from Paul Tough of Franchise Options and Matt Dooley who ran two Pronuptia franchises and network.

Paul Tough of Franchise Options said when asked about the merits of low entry cost franchises; "Many franchises cost several hundred thousand pounds to buy, but not all. If you do not have much capital to invest there are an increasingly wide range of affordable home based, part-time, internet and van franchises. So whether the aim is to run a business full-time, subsidise income or simply fit a business around their day-to-day life, or disability there is a franchise to match individual needs."

"In fact low entry cost franchising is now one of the UK's most popular franchises, ranging from domestic cleaning, Children's, fun and learning activities, gardening, animal and pet care, health & beauty to plumbing and pest control. Names including Pop Stars Academy, Bizara Cards, FitKid, Dream Doors and Car Medic are good examples of successful operators in this category".

Is it a good time to start a business in an economic downturn? Alex Freed of the Domestic Goddess Agency and One Group argues that "Although times are tough and I will always advise the careful research and assessment of every business opportunity, you should avoid sleepwalking your way through the credit crunch and wake up to the opportunities to franchise your way into the upturn".

The Lifestyle Franchise Showcase event will take place on Wednesday 25th March 2009 at the Chiswick Moran Hotel, 626 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5RY from 3pm - 8pm. For more information, please visit www.startup.abi.co.uk

About ABi Associates Limited

ABi is a London based business and economic development company which provides a focused and diverse range of support to entrepreneurs, businesses and communities throughout the UK and Europe. Established in 1995, its mission is "to unlock the potential of Ethnic Minorities through enterprise". For over twelve years, it has pursued, developed and promoted entrepreneurship within the UK's ethnic communities through ground-breaking initiatives.