Research conducted by Virtual HQ has uncovered that several districts in the South East of England feature notably elevated rates of entrepreneurs launching companies at an advanced age.
The investigation into company formation records revealed that Wealden, Chichester and Rother demonstrated the greatest share of business founders exceeding 60 years old within the region.
Within Wealden specifically, 13.3 percent of individuals establishing new companies were aged over 60, representing more than twice the figure recorded across the United Kingdom generally, which stands at 5.9 percent.
Chichester documented 11.2 percent of founders in this older demographic, while Rother registered 11 percent.
The analysis of incorporation filings covering the period from August 2025 through to July 2026 additionally determined that the typical founder age in both Chichester and Rother measured 43 years, surpassing the broader national median of 39 years.
In contrast, younger entrepreneurs establishing ventures were more prevalent in alternative locations, with Slough recording the highest proportion within the South East at 10.8 percent.
Andrew Manning, managing director at Virtual HQ, explained that registering a limited company has become increasingly straightforward and affordable, with the research demonstrating how many individuals now pursue business ownership in their twenties rather than delaying until later in their working lives.
Manning noted that prospective business owners should bear in mind that formal incorporation places their details on a publicly accessible register.