The average of UK entrepreneurs is 42-years-old, according to analysis of a list of the UK’s 100 fastest-growing businesses.
Recruitment agency Robert Half analysed this year’s edition of The Sunday Times Hundred, the annual ranking of the UK’s 100 fastest-growing private companies, and discovered that the founders ranged from 17 to 68-years-old, with 42 the average age.
Gen Z entrepreneurs were operating in consumer-facing sectors such as fashion, wellness and beauty, while older founders dominated in industries like consulting, construction and tech services where more experience is often needed. “This demonstrates that both youthful ambition and seasoned insight are contributing to the UK’s start-up ecosystem, proving that great ideas can come at any stage of life,” the report said.
The analysis concluded that the challenges assumptions that elite education is a prerequisite to success as only 6% of the entrepreneurs studied at Oxbridge, and 13% had no formal education beyond school.
Also three quarters have backgrounds in professional corporate environments.
The entrepreneurship gender gap was highlighted by the report which found that only 30% of the founders were women, and 13% were set up by male and female partners.
By industry, apparel and fashion had the most businesses on the list with 18, followed by consulting and professional services (16), health, wellness and beauty (14), food and beverage (13) and construction, engineering and real estate (8).
The report said: “With such momentum in lifestyle and service-oriented ventures, it raises a key question – are traditional industries like manufacturing, logistics, and finance losing ground in the UK’s modern start-up ecosystem? The trends suggest a shift toward
newer, more consumer-driven domains.”
As to where the businesses are based, London dominated by being home to 35% of founders. Manchester accounts for 9%, 6% are based in Wales and 2% are from Scotland.
Commenting on the research, Charlie Grubb, senior managing director at Robert Half Executive Search, said:
“Our analysis shows that founders are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship. They’re no longer defined by elite education or narrow career paths: they are driven by grit, creativity and a commitment to solving real-world problems. From Gen Z-led fashion brands to seasoned consultants scaling professional services, this year’s Sunday Times list reflects a dynamic and inclusive future for UK business.
“Despite this positivity, however, it can’t be overlooked that challenges remain. The gender gap is stark and traditional industries are underrepresented. If the UK is to build a resilient and inclusive economy, we must support diverse founders across all demographics, backgrounds, sectors and regions.
“That means targeted investment in female and minority entrepreneurs, stronger links between universities and business, and policies that encourage innovation outside the South East. Only then will the energy captured in these rankings translate into long-term growth for the entire economy.”