Cornwall-based Gunners Kids CIC named as regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026
Gunners Kids CIC has been named as a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Rising Star Award category. The non-profit, which supports families across Cornwall, was selected from hundreds of entries to be shortlisted for the regional final.
The UK StartUp Awards was launched to recognise the booming startup scene across the UK, which has accelerated significantly in recent years with around 832,000 new businesses registered in the UK in 2025. Over 900 businesses have been shortlisted for this year’s UK StartUp Awards across ten nations and regions. The contribution of these firms, all of which were started in the last three years, is significant, having created nearly 5,000 new jobs since they were established and generating annual sales of over £150 million.
Founded in 2024, Gunners Kids CIC provides vital support to families with children who are affected by the terminal illness of a parent or carer. The organisation was established by Tamsin Chapman-Gunner in memory of Chris Gunner, after she identified a significant lack of support services for families navigating these incredibly difficult circumstances. By bridging this gap, the team ensures that children and their caregivers have access to the guidance and care they need during a time of immense challenge.
“We are delighted to have been nominated and shortlisted for the regional finals of this award,” said Tamsin Chapman-Gunner, co-founder and director of Gunners Kids CIC. “It’s fantastic that the hard work of our team has been recognised, and hopefully this will help us reach even more families who need our support. We look forward to representing Cornwall at the regional final, with the hope of progressing to the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026.”
The non-profit has grown quickly since its inception and is now supported by a dedicated team of six people. This nomination highlights the organisation’s rapid momentum and its commitment to providing a lifeline for families across the region through compassionate, community-focused intervention.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, co-founder of the UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/), said:
“New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity right across the UK. This year’s finalists represent the very best of British entrepreneurial talent, spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, building ventures that are making a real difference in their industries and communities. The standard of entries in 2026 has been exceptional, and every finalist should be enormously proud of what they have achieved. Regional winners will go on to represent their region at the national final at Ideas Fest in September, and that is a stage worthy of everything they have built.”
The UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/), founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans as part of Ideas Community, is the UK’s largest independent startup awards programme. Now in its fifth year, the awards received over 2,000 entries in 2026. Regional winners go on to compete at the national final, held at Ideas Fest (https://ideasfest.uk/), aka the Glastonbury of Business, on 9th-10th September 2026 at Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire. For more information visit startupawards.uk
This year’s regional UK StartUp Awards finalists can be found online at https://startupawards.uk/
FURTHER INFORMATION
About Gunners Kids CIC: Gunners Kids CIC is a Cornwall-based non-profit dedicated to supporting families with children affected by the terminal illness of a parent or carer. Founded in 2024, the organisation provides essential resources and emotional support to help families navigate challenging times. www.gunnerskids.org
