Abstract
People, especially from emerging markets and developing countries, move to advanced economies in search of work or economic opportunity, to join family, or to study. Change of immigration policy in favour of skilled workers, professionals, people with special talents and innovative businesses have seen a growth of international immigrants. Institutional factors and individual reasons influence the decision to engage in entrepreneurial activities among immigrants. Past research suggests immigrants from low-income developing countries would open their own ventures as a result of limited opportunities available in the host country and the ventures would mostly serve their own community. This leads to the question of what immigrants from higher-income emerging economies would do differently. This research employs qualitative research design to explore the underlying motivation and challenges of immigrants starting a business in northern England. First-generation immigrants from middle-income countries in Asia will be the focus of this research.