UK's business boom still led by middle-aged founders despite Gen Z side hustles
The face of British entrepreneurship is shifting, but experience still dominates. While younger workers embrace side hustles, the backbone of the UK’s business scene remains firmly with middle-aged founders. New data reveals a steady trend: the average age of company founders has stayed between 41 and 44 for over two decades. From 2000 to 2009, the typical founder was 42 years old. This figure rose to 44 between 2010 and 2019, then held steady at the same age until 2023. A slight dip followed, with the average easing to 43 in both 2024 and 2025. Despite this minor shift, older entrepreneurs continue to play a crucial role in the economy.
The rise of ‘Silver Starters’—those launching their first business after 50—has become more pronounced in recent years. Even the oldest founder in any given year averages 91, proving that ambition doesn’t fade with age. These seasoned professionals contribute significantly to the UK’s private sector, where small and medium-sized enterprises make up 99.9% of businesses and employ around 16.9 million people.
Meanwhile, younger generations are exploring alternative paths. Over half of Gen Z workers now juggle a side hustle alongside their main job. Yet, while their numbers grow, the economic resilience of the UK still leans heavily on the experience and stability of middle-aged founders. The UK’s business landscape remains anchored by founders in their 40s, despite the growing popularity of side hustles among younger workers. With small and medium-sized firms employing millions, the influence of experienced entrepreneurs shows no signs of waning. The data suggests that while new trends emerge, the core of British enterprise stays firmly rooted in mid-life expertise.
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