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.
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.
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.
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