By LINDA WHITNEY

SETTING up your own business is hard, which is why buying into a tried and tested business such as franchise is so attractive. But if you want to buy a start-up business, a franchise is not your only option.

Readymade 'business opportunities' are advertised as a way to start up a business, usually selling goods or services, with help from a 'parent' company.

But is buying a business opportunity better than starting out by yourself?

And if you do choose to buy one, how can you protect yourself?

Mark Scott, head of franchising and business opportunities at NatWest says: 'Business opportunities can be cheaper than a franchise and the best provide business know-how and help.

However, some do not provide the same level of support.' Some are very similar to franchises. For instance, weight-loss programme Lighterlife provides a two-year licence to operate under the Lighterlife name.

With an initial investment of Pounds 14,100 you can get a Department of Education and Employment career development loan to meet 80 per cent of the fees. You get training in counselling, physiology and business skills leading to a BTEC qualification in operating a weightmanagement consultancy. The company provides training, professional medical advice, marketing tools and some client referrals.

Usborne Books at Home, a division of children's book publisher Usborne, offers a sample pack of books plus training for Pounds 38 to those who want to start up a bookselling business from home.