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

How a WhatsApp group grew into an advice consultancy

How a WhatsApp group grew into an advice consultancy

The Financial Planning Club co-founders on launching and advisers’ biggest challenges

Jen Frost
clock 10 April 2025 • 6 min read
All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2025

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2025

Keeping track of the ongoing consolidation of the advice industry

Professional Adviser
clock 10 April 2025 • 1 min read
The advice business: Fidelius CEO Ian Fowler on trustworthy expansion

The advice business: Fidelius CEO Ian Fowler on trustworthy expansion

‘Working for a growing IFA can feel like you are on a change hamster wheel’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 April 2025 • 5 min read