Majority of SMEs vulnerable to key person loss - L&G

Finds 'State of the Nation' report

John Brazier
clock • 2 min read

Six in 10 UK SMEs would go out of business in less than one year of a key person dying or becoming critically ill, according to research from Legal & General.

The insurer's 2021 State of the Nation report surveyed 500 UK SME owners and revealed that many are more financially vulnerable than before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The death of an owner or key person was highlighted as the biggest risk facing SMEs by 52% of respondents, while the owner or key person suffering a critical illness Just under six in 10 (59%) of respondents said that should key person loss occur the business would cease trading in less than 12 months. Of those SMEs surveyed, 94% recognised that they had at least one key person at the business. Jeff Woods, he...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your Business

Editor's view: When regulation fails to bite

Editor's view: When regulation fails to bite

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 13 December

Jen Frost
clock 13 December 2024 • 2 min read
PA360: Secure your place as adviser conference returns to London

PA360: Secure your place as adviser conference returns to London

Join us for practical insights on adapting to change and hear from Alastair Campbell

Professional Adviser
clock 12 December 2024 • 2 min read
What's in an advice firm's brand? Not a lot, it turns out

What's in an advice firm's brand? Not a lot, it turns out

'Businesses spend days, weeks, months even, agonising over their brand'

Justin Cash
clock 12 December 2024 • 4 min read