Now that winter is upon us, businesses need to prepare for the additional risks that colder months bring. At Harborough Portas, we help our clients insure themselves against some of the risks that winter can bring. Below is a summary of key winter risks and practical steps to mitigate them, based on guidance from Aviva’s Risk Management Solutions.
1. Supply chain disruption
When winter hits, many businesses focus on obvious risks like icy pavements or frozen pipes, but supply chain disruption is just as serious. In fact, Aviva reports that three in five UK businesses have already experienced supply chain issues, and winter only increases the pressure.
Snow, storms, transport delays and supplier outages can all slow or halt deliveries, affecting your ability to fulfil orders and protect revenue.
How to strengthen your supply chain this winter:
- Check how resilient your suppliers are to weather-related disruption.
- Build contingency into your operations (alternative suppliers, buffer stock, flexible logistics).
- Review contracts and talk openly with suppliers about their own winter planning.
Proactive preparation helps maintain continuity and reduces the financial and reputational impact if things go wrong. Regardless of size, every business should have some form of Business Continuity Plan that you can refer to and enact when the time may come that you need it.
2. Winter driving risks
If your business depends on vehicles or employee travel, winter driving can become one of your biggest operational risks. Reduced visibility, ice, flooding and high winds all increase the likelihood of accidents, delays and costly downtime.
Advance planning, well-maintained vehicles and confident, well-trained drivers can make all the difference.
Practical steps to improve winter driving safety:
- Keep vehicles maintained and winter-ready (tyres, fluids, fuel/charge levels).
- Train drivers on winter techniques such as slowing down, longer stopping distances, gentler braking and the importance of taking a rest stop on long journeys.
- Always check weather conditions and plan alternative routes.
- Equip vehicles with emergency kits: blankets, water, snacks, and chargers.
- Define what counts as an “essential journey” and communicate clearly with staff.
3. Trips, slips and falls
Icy pavements, wet floors, fallen leaves and darker evenings all contribute to a rise in slip-and-fall incidents. These can lead to staff injuries, visitor claims, operational downtime and reputational harm.
Practical steps to reduce slip risks:
- Grit or clear external walkways, entrances and car parks regularly.
- Keep indoor floors dry and ensure mats and signage are used appropriately.
- Provide winter-appropriate footwear or implement a footwear policy.
- Improve lighting in outdoor and high-traffic areas.
Simple actions significantly reduce avoidable injuries and liability exposures.
4. Storm damage
Named storms are now a familiar part of the UK winter and they often come with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The result? Damage to roofs, windows, equipment and the interior fabric of your building.
Key storm exposures to be aware of:
- Tiles, flashing and roof coverings lifting in high winds.
- Dislodged rooftop items becoming hazardous projectiles.
- Rainwater entering through damaged roofs, walls or windows.
Storm ready actions to take now:
- Inspect roofs and fix any weak points.
- Secure signage, solar panels and rooftop plant.
- Remove loose outdoor items that could be picked up by the wind.
- Have a storm-response plan: monitor forecasts, protect key assets, safeguard staff.
Advance preparation reduces the likelihood of expensive storm-related claims and keeps your operations running smoothly.
5. Escape of water, pipes and leaks
Escape-of-water claims are among the most frequent in winter and can quickly become expensive.
Frozen pipes, ruptured systems and unnoticed leaks can damage equipment, stock, IT infrastructure and the building itself.
Why this risk increases in winter:
- Unheated or unoccupied areas drop below freezing.
- Poorly insulated pipes are vulnerable, especially overnight.
- Leaks can go unnoticed when staffing levels are lower.
Preventative measures to put in place:
- Lag exposed pipes, add trace heating, and maintain minimum heating levels.
- Make sure stopcocks and isolation valves are clearly labelled and tested.
- Install leak detection or flow-monitoring equipment in high-risk zones.
- Drain down systems if the building will be unoccupied.
Managing this risk now helps prevent disruption and costly claims later.
6. The hidden threat of snow load
Winter brings picturesque scenes but also structural risks. Heavy snow accumulation can overload roofs, block drainage and compromise building integrity. Snow load can exceed a roof’s design capacity, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
Possible consequences:
- Roof deflection or collapse.
- Blocked gutters, ice dams, and water ingress.
- Bowing walls or impaired roof lights, vents and rooftop plant
How to protect your property before winter:
- Know your building’s snow-load design or check with a structural engineer.
- Inspect and clear gutters, roofs and drains.
- Watch for signs of structural stress during snowfall.
- Secure all rooftop equipment and ensure maintenance is up to date.
Taking these steps helps prevent significant damage and the business interruption that follows.
Winter brings a wide range of challenges, but with the right preparation, you can significantly reduce risks, financial losses and operational interruptions. Reviewing these areas now supports better risk control and strengthens your overall insurance resilience.
Need help reviewing your winter risk management or insurance cover?
Contact Harborough Portas today via email at mail@harboroughportas.com or by phone at 0116 260 0506.
