What happens if the person your business can’t function without is suddenly unavailable?
Many SME owners are so deeply involved in operations that even a short absence – due to illness, family emergency, or unexpected leave – can cause major disruption. And in small teams, the pressure falls fast on whoever remains.
Oxygen8 Business Consultant Ann Gibbard shares how to identify and reduce key person risk – and why planning ahead is a smart move for sustainable growth.
Key person risk is the potential harm to your business if a single individual – often the owner, manager, or lead technician – becomes unavailable due to:
This person might control client relationships, financial systems, operational knowledge, or leadership decisions – making their absence a critical threat.
To assess your risk exposure, ask:
If the answer is “I don’t know” or “probably not,” now is the time to act.
Document key processes so others can follow them
Cross-train your team in overlapping roles
Use shared systems instead of siloed data or computers
Consider key person insurance for owners or irreplaceable staff
Start delegating early – before the business becomes overly dependent on one person
“Oxygen8 helped me stop learning by mistakes. Now I’ve got someone in my corner, and a business that finally has direction – and stability.”
– Scott a’Beckett, Dynamic Pipeworks
Scott a’Beckett started Dynamic Pipeworks in 2021 with just a ute and a big vision. Like many tradespeople-turned-owners, he was buried in quoting, delivering work, and managing admin on the fly. As the business grew, so did the complexity – and the pressure.
Partnering with Oxygen8 gave Scott the tools, strategy, and support to shift from on-the-tools to in-control. With tailored coaching from Mike, he uncovered inefficiencies, priced smarter, and created systems that allowed others to step in when needed.
Today, Scott runs a 13-person team, including his partner Courtney. Dynamic Pipeworks now operates with clearer processes, stronger financial control, and improved client communication – giving Scott the confidence to grow without fear of burnout or bottlenecks.
Nev Vujcic has extensive experience working alongside business owners to define vision, shape culture, and implement sustainable practices that translate into improved profit, increased sales, and long-term business asset growth.
His hands-on background spans trades, corporate senior leadership, and business ownership-having served as Managing Director of a successful SME for over a decade. Nev has “lives” the life of business ownership to this day, giving him real-world insight into the pressures and rewards of running a company.
Losing a key person – even temporarily – doesn’t have to derail your business. But without preparation, the cost can be high.
Oxygen8 can help you assess, document, and protect your business from key person risk – before it becomes a crisis.
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