Risk Management Matrix
10 key business risks for Scot Pooper Scoopers. Mitigation strategies and action plans.
2
Critical Risks
5
High Priority Risks
3
Medium Risks
Critical
High likelihood
Weather Disruptions
Heavy snow, ice, flooding during Scottish winters
Impact: High
High
High likelihood
Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
Summer holidays, winter slowdown affects client bookings
Impact: Medium
High
Medium likelihood
Client Churn / Cancellations
Clients leave due to moving, cost, dissatisfaction
Impact: High
High
Medium likelihood
Technician Absence / Illness
Key tech sick, injured, or unavailable mid-week
Impact: High
Medium
Medium likelihood
Fuel Price Spikes
Unexpected increase in diesel/petrol costs
Impact: Low
High
Low likelihood
Equipment Failure / Breakdown
Van breaks down, tools fail, can't complete jobs
Impact: High
Medium
Low likelihood
Regulatory / Licensing Changes
SEPA requirements change, new local bylaws
Impact: Medium
Medium
Low likelihood
Client Dispute / Complaint
Client unhappy with service quality, demands refund
Impact: Medium
High
Medium likelihood
Cash Flow Crunch
Clients don't pay on time, surprise expense hits
Impact: Medium
Critical
Low likelihood
Liability / Accident
Injury on client property, damage to garden, lawsuit
Impact: High
90-Day Priority Action Plan
🔴 Critical (This Week):
- ✓ Verify public liability insurance is active (£1-3M cover)
- ✓ Create liability waiver form for all clients to sign
🟠High Priority (Next 2 Weeks):
- ✓ Write clear weather cancellation policy + communicate on website
- ✓ Set up recurring billing (remove manual invoicing risk)
- ✓ Document backup procedures if you get sick
- ✓ Review client onboarding: photo proof process + contract clarity
🟡 Medium Priority (Next 30 Days):
- ✓ Build 3-month cash reserve by end of Q2
- ✓ Create churn tracking process (why do clients cancel?)
- ✓ Plan winter promotions for Q4 (3-month bundle deal)
- ✓ Schedule van maintenance + verify breakdown cover
💡 Key Insight: The biggest risks aren't dramatic — they're everyday operational challenges like weather disruptions and client churn. Focus on processes (photo proof, clear communication, billing automation) that prevent small issues from becoming crises.