STELIOS Haji-Ioannou, the chairman of budget services company easyGroup, is demonstrating his support for Business Start-up 2003 by using it as a platform to market his internet cafes.

Mr Haji-Ioannou, and his easyInternetcafe team, will be among more than 160 exhibitors at Business Start-up 2003, the UK's largest event providing advice to new firms on all aspects of running a business.

It is due to take place on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, at Birmingham's NEC.

Village

Sponsored by BT, the event is free to all visitors and includes a "Franchise Village", where visitors can learn about starting a franchise business.

"Being an easyInternetCafe franchisee allows you to be your own boss without the risks associated with a start-up business," said Mr Haji-Ioannou.

Business Start-up is also backed by the Department of Trade & Industry, the Business Link network, Companies House, Customs & Excise, the Inland Revenue, the Prince's Trust, and other bodies geared to helping new business ventures.

For free tickets to the event, phone 0117 310 1321.