• Home
  • Blogs
  • Why Winter Maintenance Matters: Protecting People, Property & Profit with Ice Watch
Blogs
20 October 2025

Why Winter Maintenance Matters: Protecting People, Property & Profit with Ice Watch

As the colder months approach, businesses across the UK face a familiar challenge, how to keep their sites safe, accessible, and operational during winter. At idverde, we understand that winter isn’t just about weather, it’s about risk management, duty of care, and business continuity.

That’s why we’re proud to offer expert nationwide winter services through our specialist partner, Ice Watch.

Who are Ice Watch?

Ice Watch is one of the UK’s leading winter risk management providers, delivering proactive and reactive gritting and snow clearance services nationwide. With over 20 years of experience, their team operates 24/7 throughout the winter season, using advanced forecasting technology and a fleet of specialist vehicles to keep sites safe and compliant.

As part of idverde’s integrated service offering, Ice Watch supports clients across sectors, from retail parks and logistics hubs to hospitals and schools, with clients including KIER, Warburtons and NHS, ensuring that winter weather doesn’t disrupt operations or endanger people.

Reactive Gritting Winter Maintenance Car Park

Why a winter maintenance plan is crucial

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your response to it shouldn’t be. A robust winter maintenance plan helps businesses:

  • Protect People: Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace accidents during winter. Proactive gritting and snow clearance significantly reduce these risks, safeguarding staff, visitors, and customers.
  • Avoid Legal & Financial Risk: Businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe access to their premises. Failing to do so can result in costly claims, reputational damage, and even regulatory penalties.
  • Maintain Operations: Icy conditions can halt deliveries, reduce footfall, and disrupt services. A reliable winter maintenance partner ensures continuity, even in severe weather.
  • Preserve Revenue: Downtime due to weather can impact sales, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Investing in winter services is a smart way to protect your bottom line.

Top tips for staying safe this winter

Whether you’re managing a single site or a national portfolio, here are some essential tips to help you prepare:

  1. Plan Early: Don’t wait for the first frost. Engage your winter services provider in advance to ensure coverage from day one.
  2. Know Your Risk Areas: Identify high-traffic zones, access routes, and vulnerable surfaces that need regular attention.
  3. Use Accurate Forecasting: Ice Watch uses forecasting from the industry’s leading provider, MeteoGroup with postcode specific forecasts.
  4. Communicate Clearly: Ensure staff know what to expect and how to report issues. Visibility and accountability are key.
  5. Review & Adapt: Monitor performance throughout the season and adjust your plan as needed.

By choosing idverde and Ice Watch, you gain access to:

  • 24/7 nationwide gritting and snow clearance
  • Real-Time Reporting & GPS Tracking
  • Tailored Service Plans
  • Sustainable De-icing Solutions

To contact Ice Watch please call 0800 232 1994 or complete the online form here.