Legal services newcomer Life Is Too Short named regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026
HEADLINE: Legal services newcomer Life Is Too Short named regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026
DATELINE: Cornwall, 4 April 2026
Cornwall-based legal services provider Life Is Too Short has been named a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 (https://startupawards.uk/) in the Consumer Services StartUp of the Year category, shortlisted in the South West.
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 by Leanda Daddow, Emily Cantrill, Billie Sharp, and Georgia Parker, Life Is Too Short offers a holistic approach to essential life planning. The business provides Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Life and Health Insurance, and Mortgage and Equity Release advice. The founders launched the company after noticing a lack of genuine care in what they felt had become a mechanical and money-driven industry. By simplifying complex legal and financial information, they empower individuals, families, and businesses across the UK to make informed decisions and protect their legacies without the need for disjointed meetings or confusing jargon.
"Life Is Too Short was created because we believe there had to be a more human way to have some of life’s most important conversations," said Billie Sharp, co-founder. "Too often, topics like protection, wills and planning ahead are avoided, delayed or made to feel overwhelming through fear and jargon. We wanted to change that. While each of us specialises in our own area, we come together as one team. That means our clients get truly holistic advice in one conversation — no repeating, no gaps, just joined-up thinking. Being named a regional finalist is a fantastic acknowledgement of our mission, and we look forward to the South West final. Regional winners go on to compete at the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026."
Since its launch, the business has grown into a dedicated team of nine professionals, reflecting the strong demand for a more compassionate approach to professional services. The team continues to drive forward with the ambition of ensuring no one remains unaware of the laws that impact their future, building momentum through a clear commitment to putting the client's voice at the heart of their legacy.
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/
Boilerplate
About Life Is Too Short: Life Is Too Short is a holistic legal and financial services provider offering Wills, Trusts, insurance, and mortgage advice to clients across the UK. Based in Cornwall, the firm aims to protect voices and legacies through joined-up expertise. life-is-too-short.co.uk
ENDS
---
Notes to Editors
About the UK StartUp Awards
The UK StartUp Awards (https://startupawards.uk/) is the UK's largest independent awards programme celebrating the most ambitious and innovative new businesses across the country. Now in its fifth year, the awards received over 2,000 entries in 2026. Expert-judged and founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans as part of Ideas Community, regional finals take place across the UK throughout 2026, with regional winners going on to compete at the national final at Ideas Fest in September. For more information visit startupawards.uk
About Ideas Fest
Ideas Fest (https://ideasfest.uk/), aka the Glastonbury of Business, is the UK's biggest festival for entrepreneurs. Taking place on 9th-10th September 2026 at Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire, Ideas Fest is:
- The annual gathering for the UK's most ambitious business leaders and entrepreneurs
- Two days of inspiration, connection, and celebration
- Home to the UK StartUp Awards national final, held on the main stage
For more information and tickets visit ideasfest.uk
About Ideas Community
Ideas Community is the UK's leading entrepreneurship ecosystem, connecting and celebrating founders for over 27 years. Founded by Frankie James and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Ideas Community runs five national programmes: the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, UK StartUp Awards, UK Fast Growth Index, Great British Industry Awards, and Ideas Fest. For more information visit https://www.ideasforums.com/
Key stats
- Over 2,000 entries received for the UK StartUp Awards 2026
- Around 832,000 new businesses registered in the UK in 2025
- Over 900 businesses shortlisted across ten nations and regions
- Finalists have created nearly 5,000 new jobs since founding
- Finalists generating combined annual sales of over £150 million
- Regional winners progress to the national final, competing for the title of the UK's best startup
- National final: Ideas Fest, 9th-10th September 2026, Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire
- Ideas Community represents over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders via its initiatives and events
Media enquiries
