4 things to do now to prepare your business for winter

It’s that time of the year again… when the leaves disappear and the cold, dark nights takeover.

Whether you enjoy the festive weather or are already dreaming of holidays in the sun, it is essential to consider the effects of the winter weather on your business to ensure you are prepared.

Plan ahead to minimise the risk of closure or winter downtime and save yourself from added stress should the worst happen. Here are 4 things that you can do now to help safeguard your business over the colder months.

1. Check your insurance policy

Find and read over your business insurance policy. It's important to check that your business details are still up-to-date and that you have a copy of your policy number. Consider taking extra copies of your insurance policy as well as your insurance company’s contact number as a precaution in case you need to make a claim.

When checking your current policy, ensure you have the correct policy coverage for your business. You may find that since initially taking out the policy your business needs have changed. Assess whether you need to add additional policies or adjust your current policies to ensure that your business is fully protected against closure, damage or downtime over the winter season.

2. Make a visual account of valuable stock and equipment

Take a note or visual account of the condition of your business equipment and stock. It is good practice to keep a record of your business assets prior to any potential damages that could occur and is crucial to know if you ever have to make a claim.

Don't forget to take photographic evidence of your business premise interior and exterior along with any valuable stock and equipment.

3. Set reminders now

Remember to set reminders now to schedule your heating whilst your business is closed for the holidays. Even if you only plan on closing your business for a couple of days, don't risk frozen pipes bursting in the freezing temperature. With no one onsite to resolve a burst pipe while your business is closed, the last thing you want to discover when re-opening is a bad leak or worse, a flood! For more advice and help on water management for your business including leak assistance, click here. Easily avoid this potentially stressful scenario by scheduling a reminder to turn your heating onto a low setting before locking up your business for winter.

Also consider arranging a visit to your business if you plan on being closed for a longer period of time. Not only will this offer peace of mind, but it will also help to safeguard your business and act as an early preventative measure towards any issues that could arise.

4. Know what to do and who to call in an emergency

Any type of emergency is chaotic, so it's important to have a contingency plan in place and prepare for the worst-case scenarios. This is particularly important is your business is a sensitive site. Know the basics in case an emergency does transpire, such as your business insurance contact details, insurance policy numbers and where your premise stopcock is.

Ensure you have quick and easy access to any important information that you would need in a time sensitive situation. For example, write down or save onto your phone the emergency contact number for your business’s water network provider. You can find your water networks emergency contact number by clicking here.

Remember to refer back to the Winter Wise guide for helpful advice and peace of mind as you wrap up your business for the festive season… saving you more time for the important Christmas wrapping!