When to shut down site services during a closure sale
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Do not schedule site-service changes from the final production date alone. Viewings, security, contractor work and collection may still depend on power, lighting, water or access systems after production ends.
Prepare a dependency list, then have the responsible people agree the sequence. This guide identifies questions; it does not provide electrical isolation, utility-disconnection or machinery shutdown instructions.
Connect each service to its last required activity
| Service or system | Possible remaining need | Information to confirm | Responsible person to name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Agreed inspection or demonstration, site systems | What remains connected and what work is authorised | Competent electrical or site professional |
| Lighting | Visits, records work and collection access | Areas and dates requiring suitable lighting | Site lead and relevant contractor |
| Water or other process services | Specific agreed work or premises requirements | Actual dependencies and safe shutdown plan | Competent responsible party |
| Security systems | Asset protection while items remain | Cover after staff leave and during service changes | Site and security contacts |
| Access systems | Gates, doors and authorised entry | How booked visitors and contractors gain access | Premises controller |
| Communications | Sale coordination or site systems | What must remain available and the alternative | Site lead and relevant provider |
The examples are prompts. A particular site may have different services, shared supplies or restrictions requiring specialist assessment.
Ask what changes when one asset leaves
Removal of one machine may affect shared services or access to another. Record known connections and unknowns in the disconnection brief. Let competent parties assess the technical implications before dates are promised.
HSE's contractor guidance discusses exchanging information and coordinating work. Use the dependency sheet to support that conversation, not as a substitute for the professionals' planning and safe systems of work.
Avoid premature cancellation
A service may appear unnecessary because its production role has ended. Check the remaining sale tasks before cancelling it. For example, a site without its normal access system may need a confirmed alternative for authorised collection appointments. The alternative should be agreed, not improvised when a vehicle arrives.
Connect service decisions to the last production and release schedule. Mark the relevant activity complete only when the person responsible confirms it, especially where dates have changed.
Use the lease-end map to show any service or access conditions tied to the premises agreement. Ask the property adviser about obligations rather than assuming every service should end on the same day.
Confirm the final arrangement
Before site handback, check which services remain, who controls them and what confirmation the premises parties require. Preserve the relevant records through the normal business process.
Share the agreed service dates and restrictions with UK Auction Group. They affect what the sale can offer buyers and when activities can take place, even though the technical shutdown remains a separate responsibility.
Explore the retirement and closure guides.
Sources
- UK Auction Group: business closure Checked
- HSE: using contractors Checked
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.