Start Now – Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
As we head closer to the Autumn and Winter months temperatures will soon begin to dip, so it’s vital for SMEs and multi-site estate managers to act early to safeguard operations, protect staff and customers, and avoid unnecessary disruption. Every year, UK businesses lose over £1 billion due to snow and ice-related downtime. Proactive winter planning isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
At OUTCO, we’ve spent over 20 years supporting businesses with dependable winter maintenance solutions. Here’s our essential Winter Preparation Checklist to get ahead before the cold sets in.
1. Book a Winter Site Survey
Before the first frost hits, schedule a professional site inspection. This allows you to:
- Identify high-risk areas (entrances, steps, car parks)
- Tailor a gritting and snow clearance plan
- Set up agreed trigger temperatures specific to your site
2. Confirm Your Gritting Plan
Don’t rely on last-minute solutions. Confirm:
- Service frequency and scope (e.g., paths, loading bays, access roads)
- Activation conditions based on road surface temperature forecasts
- Preferred pricing model (fixed-cost, pay-per-visit, or hybrid)
OUTCO’s location-specific forecasting ensures services are triggered precisely when needed, no guesswork involved.
3. Restock Grit Bins and De-Icers
Ensure grit bins are filled and easily accessible. Opt for eco-friendly products like marine white salt. Marine White Salt is less corrosive, there is less staining, and it is better for high-footfall areas.
4. Prepare Snow Clearance Equipment
Have the right equipment ready for heavy snowfall. If you operate multiple sites, this may involve coordination across regions. OUTCO operates a large fleet of specialist vehicles, from UTVs to 4x4s, suited to all property types.
5. Create a Communication & Incident Response Plan
Make sure staff know:
- Who to contact in an emergency
- What actions to take during snowfall
- How to access service updates
OUTCO’s 24/7 Helpdesk and online Service Portal give clients full visibility, allowing you to track visits in real-time, raise tickets, and download service reports with GPS proof of service.
6. Review Insurance and Liability Coverage
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common winter accidents, often leading to costly claims. Ensure your maintenance provider is comprehensively insured and provides a documented audit trail of all services delivered.
7. Confirm SLA Expectations
Multi-site estate managers must guarantee consistency across all properties. Confirm KPIs for service delivery, especially for sites in different regions with varying weather conditions.
OUTCO delivers standardised, high-quality service across the UK with local operatives and 99.8% service success.
Act Now to Avoid the Rush
The window for setting up your winter plan is closing. Most SMEs and estate managers sign up between September and October. Delaying could leave your site unprepared when the first freeze hits.
Why OUTCO?
- 20+ years of winter heritage
- Bespoke service tailored to your property
- Award-winning technology and service transparency
- Trusted by some of the UK’s biggest brands
Don’t let winter become a liability. Contact OUTCO today to get your tailored winter preparation plan in place.
