The Start-Up Surge
There’s a quiet revolution happening in British business.
In the past five years, the number of UK companies started by Gen Z founders has risen by 695%. This generation isn’t waiting for a job offer. They are building their own futures.
But starting young doesn’t guarantee lasting success. A recent Markel Direct survey reveals that while Gen Z founders are full of drive and vision, they often lack the structured support that turns good ideas into thriving businesses.
What Drives Gen Z Entrepreneurs
The new wave of founders has different motivations to their older peers. Here’s what they told researchers:
- 51% want to be their own boss
- 50% want financial independence
- 44% are seeking personal growth
- 43% want work-life balance
- 39% are pursuing a passion
This generation is bold, purposeful and ready to build something meaningful. But there’s a catch…
What’s Holding Them Back? The Hidden Pitfalls
According to the survey, these are the top five mistakes new entrepreneurs admit to:
| Mistake | % Affected |
| No clear business plan | 39% |
| Wrong pricing | 39% |
| Unrealistic growth targets | 37% |
| Poor cashflow management | 36% |
| Not enough market research | 33% |
And the biggest challenges they face?
- Building visibility and customer base (40%)
- Managing cashflow (35%)
- Lack of startup capital (29%)
These are not small problems. They can stall progress, demotivate founders, and destroy promising businesses before they reach year two.
The UKBA Perspective: Build Smart, Grow Strong
At UK Business Advisors, we believe in design mode thinking: not just where you are, but where you’re going and why. That’s what makes the difference.
Professional support from experienced business advisors can help young entrepreneurs:
- Create realistic, resilient business plans
- Avoid cashflow traps with better forecasting
- Get pricing, marketing and messaging right
- Avoid burnout and bad decisions
- Build a customer base that actually buys
Support That Grows With You
Not every Gen Z business needs a corporate-style advisor but the right help, at the right time, can change the trajectory of a young business.
Many UKBA advisors offer flexible, tailored arrangements for startups and early-stage founders. From one-off clinics to longer-term mentoring, they’re motivated by helping ideas flourish not just writing invoices.
The Bottom Line
Gen Z are here, and they’re changing the face of UK business.
If you’re building a business in your 20s or 30s, you don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need the right support. And if you’re an SME leader, it’s time to think about how you’re supporting the next generation inside your business or beyond.
“Businesses don’t fail for lack of passion. They fail for lack of planning.” Let’s change that, together.