While it might seem counterintuitive to think about icy car parks and snow-covered footpaths while enjoying a sunny afternoon, the reality is this: the best time to prepare your winter maintenance plan is now. For facilities and property managers, summer is the best time for reviewing and securing your winter gritting and snow clearance services.
Here’s why planning ahead with OUTCO puts you in control long before the first frost hits.
Beat the Winter Rush
From September onwards, winter gritting providers see a significant spike in demand. Delaying your review increases the risk of limited availability, particularly for bespoke services or multi-site coverage.
By reviewing your winter plan now, you secure the service level and flexibility you need, whether that’s fixed-price gritting, a price-per-visit pricing model, site-specific snow clearance, or a hybrid contract tailored to your operations.
Tailor Your Strategy Through Summer Site Surveys
At OUTCO, every winter maintenance contract starts with a detailed site survey. Our specialists assess footfall, surface types, higher-risk areas, and exposure levels to design a solution that fits your exact needs.
This planning stage ensures:
- Trigger temperatures are location-appropriate
- Site-specific risks are addressed
- Grit bins and de-icing supplies are correctly positioned and stocked
Early surveys conducted in summer mean smarter strategies, avoiding assumptions and reducing risk later.
Budget Now to Avoid Costly Surprises Later
Many businesses underestimate the true financial impact of winter weather. Snow and ice cause more than inconvenience, they cost UK businesses over £1 billion annually, with:
- £500 million lost in productivity
- Significant costs from slip, trip and fall claims
- Disruption to supply chains and logistics
Choosing a fixed-cost or flexible pricing model in summer allows you to lock in your budget, minimise unexpected spend, and plan with confidence.
Ensure Safety and Compliance for When it Matters Most
Failing to grit surfaces in freezing conditions could leave your business exposed to serious liability claims. The HSE advises businesses to ensure surfaces are safe, and winter plans are a key part of meeting those expectations.
A proactive approach to winter maintenance, agreed well in advance, ensures you:
- Stay compliant with health & safety regulations
- Reduce accident risks
- Keep sites operational and accessible, even in the harshest weather
Leverage OUTCO’s Technology and Transparency
OUTCO’s award-winning service is powered by bespoke technology and location-specific forecasting, ensuring visits are automatically triggered based on actual road surface temperatures, not just regional averages.
Plus, with our 24/7 client portal, you have real-time updates, GPS-verified service records, photo evidence, and total visibility at your fingertips.
Get Ahead While Others Wait
Summer is a quieter period operationally for many clients, making it the perfect time to focus on strategic planning without the distractions of day-to-day winter demands.
For facility managers juggling multiple roles, and business owners stretched for time, taking control now means:
- Less stress later
- No scrambling for last-minute solutions
- More time to focus on your core business during peak season
Secure Your Winter Services Early with OUTCO
Whether you manage a single site or multiple estates across the UK, OUTCO’s winter maintenance services are built around reliability, flexibility and peace of mind. From proactive winter gritting and snow clearance to 24/7 support, our fully managed packages are tailored to your needs.
Talk to us today to book your summer site survey and secure your winter service plan.
