UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 17, 2026 / Abby Couper-Douse, who runs the Toddler Sense Gateshead parent and baby classes, has been named as a finalist for New Business of the Year in the 2026 Class Business Awards, an extraordinary achievement given she launched her franchise less than one year ago, in December 2025.

The awards ceremony will take place on October 10 at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, celebrating the very best independent class and activity leaders across the UK.

Founded by Krissy Monaghan, the Class Business Awards were created to do something long overdue: shine a spotlight on the incredible work that happens behind the scenes in children’s activity businesses. While the public sees the singing, dancing, and play, the awards recognise the strategising, community building, marketing, planning, and relentless dedication that keeps these vital local services running.

"It’s not all just coming in and dancing around with a ribbon," explains Abby. "It takes real work, real skill, and real commitment. That’s why being a finalist means so much to me, because these awards honour the whole picture, not just the fun bits."

What makes the nomination even more meaningful is that Abby has never run a business before. She was inspired by her own experience attending Baby Sensory Gateshead — by the beautiful, welcoming environment Kim created, and the genuine friendships and community that grew from those classes. That inspiration led her to bring Toddler Sense to Gateshead, so she could create that same warmth, connection, and joy for families at the next developmental stage.

"I didn’t really know until I started that I had that entrepreneurial spirit in me," Abby says. "I saw what Kim had built with the space, the community, and the connections and I knew I wanted to do that too, for toddlers. And now that I’ve got it, I’ve really been bitten by the bug. I can’t imagine doing anything else."

Since launching her classes last December, Abby has built a thriving community across Gateshead and surrounding areas, working closely with all five local Baby Sensory partners, investing in professional marketing training, and delivering classes that families describe as exceptional.

Abby’s classes have become more than just activity sessions, they are a supportive community hub for parents and carers across Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, Chester-le-Street, and South Tyneside.

"I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built in such a short space of time," Abby adds. "Being recognised as a finalist is validation that all the early mornings, late nights, and hard work behind the scenes really do matter. And I’m just getting started."

For more information, visit: www.toddlersense.co.uk/gateshead