The BIG Chill

Following the exceptional winter weather experienced at the end of last year, heating hire company Andrews Sykes provides some advice on being prepared for a repeat of the big freeze in 2011.

Jack Frost is already nipping at the toes of businesses, and if the predicated cold spells continue and brings the harsh winter conditions anticipated, large industries such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture, as well as the facilities management sector will be faced with dealing with the consequences that extreme cold weather can bring. Predictions for the cold weather to continue this year are gathering momentum. Blizzards, sleet and heavy snow have already caused havoc on some of Britain’s roads, disrupted the services of airlines, railways and prompted schools to close.

Steve Reeve of Andrews Sykes heat for hire, says it must be business as usual despite wintery conditions. ‘We cannot see any need for businesses to freeze up because of the weather outside, and we anticipate that orders for Andrews heating will be significantly up on last year. We know what customers need to enable their businesses to function during prolonged cold periods and we have the heating equipment available on demand and ready to respond to the predicted big chill.’

People across the UK need to be prepared for this Artic blast that will cause icy conditions and business will have to be prepared for heavy snow bringing potential travel disruption.

Legal obligation

Employers have a legal obligation to maintain offices and factories at suitable temperatures. But it is not only the breakdown of heating systems that presents problems to businesses and public buildings during cold weather. In many cases, planned maintenance is required during the winter, companies are often faced with the prospect of a shutdown. Worse still, hospitals and schools struggle to stay open if their boiler plant is not operating efficiently. Recognising the need to provide preventative help, Andrews Sykes has invested significant sums in their fleet of boiler systems. Available to hire, the mobile boiler equipment provides a complete back-up service to a permanent boiler installation. The boilers can be deployed rapidly, either as part of a planned maintenance programme or to provide emergency heating where required. The potential cost savings to commerce, not to mention the ability to keep public buildings open that would normally have to close due to boiler failures, is enormous.

‘As the pioneer of heat for hire in the UK, the experience we have gained has led to the development of a full range of equipment that delivers safe, reliable and energy efficient warmth wherever people need it. We also offer pumps and dehumidifiers to mitigate the effects of flooding and water damage.’

Neither homes nor businesses are immune to the effects of a colder than normal winter and the advice ‘keeping warm this winter’ will be key.’

Further information: andrews-sykes.com or contact 0800 211 611