One morning you’re building your business side by side with someone who gets it - your co-owner, your counterbalance, your partner in crime. Then suddenly, they’re gone. A heart attack. A diagnosis. A freak accident. Their shares in the business - the very ones you built together - are now in limbo. Without the right protection in place, those shares could pass to their family, who may have no interest in the company, or even end up in the hands of someone you’ve never met.
The reality? For UK SMEs, buying back those shares can cost upwards of £300,000, not including legal fees or the emotional fallout. And when that happens, even the strongest businesses can start to feel the cracks.
It’s not just a personal loss - it’s a business risk. Fewer than one in three directors have a valid cross-option agreement in place, and most haven’t even had “that” conversation about what happens if one of you isn’t around.
Without a plan, things can unravel fast:
Decisions stall
Clients lose confidence
Your company’s direction becomes uncertain
Suddenly, you’re not just dealing with grief - you’re fighting to keep control of what you built. Could you afford to buy out your partner’s shares? Or would you be comfortable with a new shareholder who doesn’t share your vision?
In the face of such a storm, turn to Waddle 🐧
Shareholder Protection gives you the means to buy back those shares if the worst happens, keeping control with those who understand and care about the business. It’s about protecting your legacy, keeping your vision alive, and ensuring the company you’ve poured your soul into keeps moving forward, no matter what storm hits.
Our job’s simple: we help business owners prepare for the unexpected - without the jargon, the fluff, or the sales pitch.
We’ll help you:
Understand your shareholder options
Put the right agreements and cover in place
Keep your company’s future secure and stable
Because running a business is hard enough without wondering what happens if the unthinkable happens. With Waddle, you get clarity, control, and proper peace of mind.
If you’re a business owner tackling the uncertainties of shareholder risks, don't brave the storm by yourself.
Align with a team designed to guard, assist, and strengthen your company's future - whatever challenges emerge.
Because business can throw curveballs, but your protection should stand firm.
Graham came to us for a second opinion on his protection. We uncovered a 17-year-old policy with unbeatable cover - one worth holding onto. Two years later, after a stroke, that legacy policy paid out £75,000 when he needed it most. The right advice. At the right time. For all the right reasons.
Twelve outdated policies. No Trusts. Then - stroke, fracture, and later, bereavement. Because Waddle restructured everything, payouts were fast, probate was bypassed, and the cover actually worked when it mattered most.
A teenage health scare, emergency surgery, and weeks in intensive care. With Waddle guiding the claim, £25,000 was paid quickly, extra support was accessed, and the family could focus on recovery - not bills.
Not sure if your business is protected against the loss of a shareholder?
Book a free review with Waddle today, and let our experts assess your needs, identify gaps in coverage and build a tailored protection plan to safeguard your company from unexpected challenges - because peace of mind starts with the right foundation.
Already have protection in place? We believe your cover should grow with you. Our friendly Policy Check reviews what you have, highlights strengths and gaps, and gives honest, expert advice to keep your cover working its best for you.
