Key Ways To Winter-Proof Your Business

When the cold weather hits, it’s not just at home that we can feel the pinch. Businesses also find themselves under increased pressure, whether that is increased energy consumption to keep staff warm and well-lit or the weather causes disruptions to their operations.

It can throw a real spanner in the works if you haven’t got a plan B or haven’t taken the measures to insulate yourself from the trouble that winter brings. Throw in a cost-of-living crisis and businesses are finding it tougher this winter than usual. From using energy more effectively to preventative measures for your premises and operations that stop the weather from slowing you down, these are the key ways to winter-proof your business.

Create a contingency plan

It’s never too late to create a contingency plan and having one is certainly better than not. From deciding whether people work from home or you close your business for the day if it snows to creating an emergency contact list for any out-of-hours issues, the more prepared you are the easier it will be to react to winter-related problems.

To create an effective contingency plan, business owners and their leadership teams must discuss what the biggest disruption to their organisation looks like. If that is a fleet vehicle out of commission from the frost, then knowing which company can repair and service your works vehicles is a must.

Perhaps your office heating breaks, are your staff equipped to work remotely and will they need laptops, access to servers and working from home risk assessments? Or perhaps you have backup heaters, a generator or your service contract with your heating and air conditioning includes emergency repairs. A contingency offers solutions to potential problems to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Winter contingency plan must-haves:

• A designated method for reporting any adverse events, such as flooding, broken pipes, weather warnings, etc.,
• An effective procedure for sending employees home or preventing them from arriving
• Emergency contact numbers and the positions they hold within the company
• Essential shutdown procedures for key staff
• Snow-clearing procedures and a threshold for weather-related closures

Energy saving tips for businesses

There is no escaping the rising energy costs, and businesses are being hit hard all around the county as many are contemplating shutting down for parts of the winter to avoid such crippling bills. But there are ways that each business can save money during the winter by employing good energy practices.

Converting to LED light bulbs is up to 75% more energy efficient than typical incandescent lighting thanks to lower running costs for the same light production and a much longer lifespan. Furthermore, converting to motion sensor lights can further reduce your bill by as much as 30%.

Timed heating is another great way to save money on your bills, ensuring that it is only engaged when essential and off or running at very low temperatures when your premises are unoccupied.

Another way businesses can save on wasted energy is by ensuring that all unessential equipment is switched off, preventing what is known as vampire devices. Leaving devices on standby can cost the average home around £140 per year, but most businesses have more devices than the typical household, which increases spending exponentially.

Batten down the hatches

There is a reason why bears hibernate in the winter; it’s such a harsh season. While we can’t do the same, we can prepare our workplaces for the freezing and strong weather to come. Members of your leadership team should set up weather alert notifications so that staff can be notified if you intend on closing the office and encouraging remote working, or if the conditions are unsafe for outdoor workers.

Winter brings with it frost and we should aim to reduce or eliminate slippery surfaces by using grit or mats and placing the correct signage to alert staff and keep them safe from falls. Flooding is an issue that many businesses face, and failing to properly protect yourself could see stock, materials and shipments destroyed overnight. 

Invest in flood defences such as sandbags or barriers that keep the water out if your business is in a vulnerable location. Additionally, check gutters and drains for blockages to ensure a downpour isn’t going to cause water to start seeping into your building.

Consider hiring a plumber to winterproof your pipes and service your boiler to ensure they don’t freeze, causing a potential leak and making an inhabitable workspace. Further pipe protection includes insulation and ensuring there is warm air flow reaching them throughout any cold snap.