Keeping Projects Moving Through the January Cold Snap
January 2026 brought some of the most challenging working conditions of recent years across Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties. Persistent rain, freezing temperatures and a period of snowfall left ground conditions waterlogged and slippery — the kind of weather that forces many outdoor contractors to down tools and wait it out.
Not HTC
Still working hard despite the cold weather.
Professional standards and preparation pay off when the conditions become more challenging.
Throughout the cold snap, all HTC Arbor Services crews remained operational — continuing scheduled works across commercial and residential sites in line with strict health and safety protocols. Risk assessments were reviewed daily, equipment checks were completed before every shift, and working methods were adapted where ground conditions required it. The result: projects stayed on programme and clients stayed informed.
For a business that works predominantly outdoors, winter weather is an occupational reality rather than an excuse. HTC's approach is straightforward — plan carefully, equip properly, and keep going.
Sam Doran, Ops Manager
“Our clients have programmes to keep to. So we look at each site individually — what can we do safely today, what needs to be rescheduled, and how do we keep the overall project on track. It takes more planning, but that's what we're here for."
"When the weather turns, the temptation is to pause everything and wait for better conditions," says Sam Doran, Operations Manager. "But our clients have programmes to keep to. So we look at each site individually — what can we do safely today, what needs to be rescheduled, and how do we keep the overall project on track. It takes more planning, but that's what we're here for."
It’s wet but work carried on
Keeping clients in the loop when conditions affect scheduling is something HTC takes seriously. "If anything changes — even slightly — we make sure the client knows straight away," says Lucy Brown, Operations Support.
"No one wants to be left wondering whether their crew is turning up. A quick call or message makes a big difference, and it's something we always prioritise."
The January period served as a practical demonstration of what sets HTC apart from smaller operators — the combination of qualified, experienced crews, well-maintained equipment and the operational structure to manage complex scheduling decisions in real time.
Work continued. Clients were kept informed. Sites were left clean and safe.
That's the HTC standard — whatever the weather.
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