WARRINGTON, UK. October 13th, 2026 – 25–34 year olds make up the largest share of people seeking accountancy support, and almost half are under 35, according to new research.
The average age of a UK founder has stayed at around 43 for more than 25 years, according to analysis of 9.2 million UK director appointments by company formation agent 1st Formations.
New data from UK accountancy provider Caroola Accountancy suggests the next wave of entrepreneurs is arriving much earlier, with 25–34 year olds now making up the largest share of people seeking accountancy support.
Caroola looked at the ages of visitors to its website between July and October 2026. People aged 25–34 made up the largest group at 27%, followed by 35–44 year olds at 20% and 18–24 year olds at 19%. Almost half (46%) were under 35, and two thirds (66%) were under 45.
The 1st Formations analysis found the average founder age stayed between 41 and 44 every year from 2000 onwards. It then fell back to 43 in 2024 and 2025, which was the first material decline in more than a decade. The analysis counts director appointments, so it only covers people who form limited companies.
Separate research points to strong entrepreneurial ambition among young people. A 2025 study by business finance provider Capital on Tap found that 82% of 18–24 year olds in the UK are considering starting their own business. Its analysis of Companies House records also ranked Manchester as the UK city with the highest concentration of founders aged 24 and under.
Caroola believes the younger profile reflects people launching businesses, side hustles and freelance ventures earlier in their careers. It also reflects founders looking for professional support at the very start of their business journey.
Akosua Catherine Akobeng, Head of Accountancy Growth at Caroola Accountancy, said: “What we’re seeing today is a new generation of entrepreneurs entering the market much earlier in their careers. Young professionals are increasingly building side hustles, freelance businesses and limited companies alongside traditional employment, and many are seeking professional accountancy support from day one. For many first-time business owners, getting an accountant is one of the first steps they take after deciding to go self-employed.
“The growth we’re seeing among younger demographics reflects a broader shift in entrepreneurship. Starting and running a business is more accessible than ever before, and younger founders are looking for digital-first services that help them stay compliant, save time and focus on growing their business.”
Caroola expects the changing profile of new entrepreneurs to reshape what people want from professional services. That means quicker access to advice, flexible support and technology that simplifies complex processes, rather than an accountancy relationship built around annual compliance alone.
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