Ungers Vital First Impressions

Façade maintenance - vital first impressions: Cleaning and maintaining the exteriors of buildings is an important way to improve company image. Dave Rogers (pictured below), European sales manager for Unger Germany, explains how legislation, technological advances and customer needs are shaping this part of the cleaning sector. First impressions count – it’s an accepted fact in all walks of life. If you want to sell your house, a tidy front garden and freshly painted front door will help; cordon bleu chefs will often say that we eat with our eyes, so go to great lengths to make their dishes look beautiful; and if you want to get that new job a smart suit will go down better than jeans and a scruffy T-shirt!

The same goes for your company or brand image – so keeping your premises pristine, both inside and out, is crucial. They are the public faces of your organisation, so if they look below par, chances are that both existing and potential new clients will be less than impressed and take their custom elsewhere. A smart, clean façade to your buildings – be they offices, manufacturing facilities, retail outlets or storage depots – presents a professional face to the world, stating that your business really does mean business. Making sure that effective and regular cleaning regimes are in place is therefore a must, but there are many different issues that need to be taken into consideration when cleaning the façades of buildings. Safety is arguably the most important and there have been significant changes in this area in the last few years.

Legislating for safety: Cleaning and maintaining the exteriors of buildings can often involve the need to work at height. Many older and modern business premises measure more than two storeys high, so jobs such as clearing gutters, bird proofing and roof repairs will require operatives to work at high levels. And wherever height is an issue, safety becomes a top priority.

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) falls from height accounted for 46 fatal accidents at work and around 3,350 major injuries in 2005/2006. One fatality or injury is one too many, and the implementation of safety measures introduced under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, amended by the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007, have transformed this area. These regulations consolidate previous legislation on working at height and implement European Council Directive 2001/45/EC concerning minimum safety and health requirements for the use of equipment for work at height (the Temporary Work at Height Directive).

One of the key legal requirements of the regulations is for competent, well-trained people to plan, organise, supervise and carry out work at height. The regulations ‘apply to all who work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury’. They also set out a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height, stating that duty holders (employers, the self-employed and anyone who supervises the work of others, such as facilities managers) must:

•Avoid work at height where they can

•Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height

•Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

It’s clear that if you do have jobs where working at height is the only option, specialist training will be needed. There are a number of companies that can provide this, and information and advice is also available from associations that promote a safe environment for the operation of specialist equipment. These include the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) for powered equipment, and PASMA, which represents the European mobile access tower industry.

Design and technology provide safe solutions: It’s true that new legislation will always influence how an industry sector evolves, but advances in technology also have a big part to play. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the most obvious and visual manifestation of façade maintenance – window cleaning. The traditional days of the cheeky chap with ladder, chamois leather and bucket are long gone – thanks to advances in design that have made window cleaning faster, safer and more efficient. Water-fed poles have become the equipment of choice for professional window cleaners, allowing them to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work

at height.

Pure water is used in this type of cleaning because it leaves glass and surfaces spot and streak free, without the need for chemicals. Pure water is, as the name suggests, water in its purest form. To get to this state the water is processed to remove the minerals and impurities that would otherwise dry and lead to spots and streaks. These impurities are known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and are measured in parts per million (ppm) – water is considered pure when its TDS is measured at 0 ppm. The two water purification methods recognised by the cleaning industry are:

•Deionisation (DI) – where the water is filtered through ion exchange resin which attracts and removes 99 per cent or more of the minerals

•Reverse Osmosis (RI) – where the water is passed through a series of membranes and filters which retain and flush away most of the minerals and impurities.

Water-fed poles continue to evolve, incorporating new design features and materials that make these systems even easier to use, with the added bonus that they deliver even better quality results in a fraction of the time, saving companies money too. The ‘next generation’ water-fed poles provide a better balance between weight and rigidity. Because the poles are lighter it makes the cleaning operative’s job easier and more comfortable, but this reduction in weight does not compromise rigidity, meaning that the poles are still responsive and easy to control, allowing brushes to get right into every corner. Advances in brush head design, water delivery via multi-jets, angled adapters and pole extensions that allow operatives to clean to heights of up to 65 ft while keeping their feet firmly on the ground, all make this sector of the industry a fast-changing and exciting place to work in.

Assess the risks: As with any cleaning job, site surveys and risk assessments will help to establish the best equipment to deliver the results you require. It can also identify gaps in knowledge or training, and how frequently your façade needs to be cleaned. The different materials that need to be cleaned must also be taken into consideration. For instance, is it primarily glass (windows) that need to be cleaned, or are there other materials on the exterior of your building that will also need attention, such as metal signage? With an increasing awareness of environmental issues, companies are also thinking about incorporating energy saving into their business activities, and energy creation is also a hot topic.

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular – for residential and business premises – but they need regular cleaning. Exposure to rain water does help to wash off some dirt, but it also adds new dirt particles to the panel. A build up of dirt and soil can reduce the light absorption of solar panels, making them less efficient and effective. Water-fed pole technology is now stepping up to the mark to provide solutions to this particular problem by developing larger brushes with soft bristles specifically designed to clean and prevent damage to solar panels. With further developments in technology and training in response to market forces and customer needs, façade maintenance and cleaning can only continue to become easier, quicker and more professional.

Unger, Kilts, Nigerians & Some Losers

Just like meeting Dave in real life!

Unger appoints Rogers to European role: Professional cleaning systems specialist Unger has appointed its UK general manager - Dave Rogers - to the new role of European sales manager. Rogers will now be responsible for increasing revenues across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia - managing Unger's sales force and building customer relationships. Commenting on the move Torsten Deutzmann, general manager of Unger's European headquarters in Germany said: "We are delighted to welcome Dave to our European team. His relentless energy and drive coupled with an extensive knowledge of the industry will further strengthen our position in the marketplace." Rogers added: "Having worked with Unger for well over a decade I am looking forward to rising to the challenges this new role will present. The idea of pioneering new markets particularly appeals to me."

The New Year Brings New Heights for Canadian Window Cleaning Franchise. Men In Kilts announces major expansion into Canadian and U.S. markets (Vancouver): Men In Kilts, a window and exterior cleaning company, has announced today they'll be opening four more franchises in three months, adding to three franchises currently in operation. Alberta and Oregon are next on the list, with B.C. and Washington already in business. The company was founded in 2002, with the first Vancouver franchise opening its doors in 2010. Since then, the franchise model has taken off.

"We've been deliberate about our growth," says CEO Tressa Wood. "We needed to test the franchise model before opening up the market. The addition of these latest franchises will make us Canada's largest window and exterior cleaning company. Our goal is to be in every major metro in North America by 2017." Wood, a franchising expert who helped build companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? from $15 million to over $130 million in revenue, comments on the Men In Kilts' advantage, "The kilts are fun and they help differentiate us, but we're delivering a professional experience and building a national brand.

That's what separates us from the competition; and what generates the buzz and growth we've experienced." Men In Kilts' commercial and residential services include: Window cleaning Gutter cleaning Pressure washing Exterior building cleaning Snow removal services will be available in colder markets later this year Men In Kilts plans for fast expansion into all major cities across North America, including Toronto, San Francisco, LA, and Denver. The company projects a 300 percent increase in system-wide revenue in 2012.

"We've had a lot of great feedback on our brand. It's unique, cheeky, and stands out; which isn't easy to do these days," laughs Wood. Men In Kilts was started in 2002 by Nicholas Brand with $500, a squeegee and a hand-sewn kilt. The first franchise was opened in 2010 in Vancouver, B.C., with Fraser Valley, B.C., and Seattle, Wash., soon to follow. Scheduled to open in the first half of 2012 are Victoria, B.C., Portland, Ore., Edmonton, Alta. and Calgary, Alta.

For many Nigerians, starting a small business is their dream. Owning a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience and offers some advantages, like being one’s boss. There are several businesses, which offer opportunities to earn good profits. They fit every interest and budget and provide a platform for entrepreneurship. They can be done full-time or part time. One can start from home to test the waters. One can use spare bedrooms, garages, dining rooms and even the kitchen table. Determine the fees or costs for your service or product by analysing what your particular market should be. Cleaning Services: You can make money providing cleaning services to households. For a start, you just invest in the cleaning equipment. Offer services such as window cleaning, vacuuming, yard cleaning, parking cleaning to households. Once you start getting more work or want to enter into commercial cleaning, hire a few more people to take up assignments on your company’s behalf.

Single dad jailed for dealing cocaine: A single parent was jailed despite saying he had turned his back on drugs after an arrest for dealing cocaine. Iain MacDonald had given up dealing following his December 2010 arrest, when police found £1,400 worth of cocaine in a raid on his Barton home, a judge was told. When police raided the 27-year-old’s Bayswater Road home they found 35.7g of cocaine, deal bags, scales and a ‘tick list’ of customers’ orders. A separate amount of cocaine, weighing 184 milligrammes, was also found.

Nigel Daly, defending at Oxford Crown Court, said his client was a “devoted father” who is the sole carer of his seven-year-old son. He said MacDonald’s drug use ended after his arrest, adding: “He set up his own business as a window cleaner. “It doesn’t bring in much money but it fits in with his duties as a single parent. He has done everything he can to put this behind him.” He was sentenced on Friday having earlier admitted possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply on the basis he was only dealing to acquaintances, and possessing a Class A drug.

Police said the case took so long to come to court due to ongoing investigations into other dealers in the area. Prosecutor Jane Malcolm said officers searched the defendant’s home on December 7, 2010, and found the items in kitchen cupboards and his bedroom. She said the larger amount of cocaine was 10 per cent pure and the smaller stash had a purity of 15 per cent. Cash totalling £3,420 in £10 and £20 notes was also found, but MacDonald said these were savings payments made by his girlfriend. Whether that cash can be seized or not is to be the subject of a hearing at the magistrates’ court, Miss Malcolm said.

She said the street value of the bulk of the cocaine was £1,440. Judge Mary Jane Mowat jailed MacDonald for 30 months and said: “I’m acutely aware of the fact you have been looking after your son since he was four and he’s now seven, and you are described as a very good father, but that boy does have a mother who can take him on in your absence.”

Jail for window-cleaner carrying knife: A Southampton window-cleaner has been jailed for carrying a knife when he went in search of a mystery man following an argument, a court heard. Lee Wookey, 34, had been smoking outside his house when neighbours saw him arguing with a stranger. Wookey went back inside and the man, who has never been traced, tried to follow him, breaking a pane of glass in Wookey’s door. Later, Wookey was seen walking down the road with a bread knife. Prosecutor Simon Privett told Southampton Crown Court that Wookey’s neighbours persuaded him to come back to his house, but he then turned on the couple. He threatened to pour petrol through their door if they did not tell him the other man’s address – despite the couple not knowing who the stranger was.

In mitigation, defence barrister Daniel Riley said Wookey had originally been trying to walk away from the argument, which happened in September last year. The court also heard that, despite 21 previous convictions, Wookey had stayed out of trouble between 2001 and 2008 and set up a window-cleaning business. Wookey, of Ludlow Road, had pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in December. He was jailed for eight months, to run consecutively with a 13-month sentence he was already serving.

The New Window Cleaning ErgoTec® Ninja Squeegee From Unger

Unveiled at the UK Cleaning Show, the ERGOTEC® NINJA is launched with a fantastic daily giveaway, guaranteed to be a hit with the UK window cleaners! Every day in March, Unger will give away one ERGOTEC® Ninja squeegee handle with a 35cm channel! For a chance to win text NINJA to 60777 followed by your details.

Dave Rogers, the General Manager of Unger UK comments on the launch of Ninja. “The response at the Show has been phenomenal. The success of Ninja is underpinned by extensive research and creative approach to product development, all in close partnership with the end users of our products. Together we came up with a truly innovative product that delivers enhanced user experience and has an element of fun“.

As a result the ERGOTEC® Ninja is a long way ahead of any window squeegee currently available. The Swivel function, locking firmly in any position within 180˚ radius, enables access to hard to reach areas, especially when working with poles. Unger has also solved the problem of channel’s accidentally falling out from the handle – a TriLoc mechanism provides secure Open Position for channel replacement or adjustment, eliminating the risk of it separating from the handle. The textured anti slip handle features an ErgoBall indented head for comfortable grip and a thumb pad for greater control.

But it’s the Channels that hold a clue to the Ninja name. The Extruded Aircraft Aluminium T6 Channels are guaranteed not to break or bend. Revolutionary SmartClips on the end of the Channel allow adjustment of the rubber tension and protect the frames.

“Speed, precision and great performance are the key values of the ERGOTEC® NINJA concept. The channels deliver perfect pressure distribution across the entire length, resulting in streak free cleaning. The longest 105cm channel is designed for true Ninja style cleaning – quickly and efficiently, hence the name”, explains Rogers. “We’re confident it’s going to be a star product”.

The new ErgoTec® Ninja: Makes Tough Jobs a Lot Easier!

Product Innovations:

• Adjustable rubber tension ensures perfect results for every window size and channel length.

• Aluminium channel does not bend and keeps rubber perfectly straight

on the glass surface.

• TriLoc mechanism prevents channels from accidentally separating from handle and falling out - great for working at height, abseiling and cradle work.

• The ErgoTec® Ninja locks onto the Unger Locking Cone and can be used for

safe high access cleaning with telescopic poles.

Maximum Efficiency:

• Clean large glass surfaces in less time.

• Perfect pressure distribution requires less power application.

• Swivel lock makes pole work fast and easy.

• Fast rubber and channel change with channel always in secure position.

The new ErgoTec® Ninja provides numerous benefits for increased efficiency for the professional window cleaner. Channels up to 105cm long dramatically reduce the time required for cleaning large surfaces, allowing you to achieve more in less time. The revolutionary ergonomic design ensures smooth and easy performance – even after hours of intense cleaning. ErgoTec® Ninja – the smartest tool for professional window cleaners. Click the pictures to enlarge.

• Ergonomic Handle: Lightweight ergonomic handle designed to perfectly fit the human hand. High quality anti-slip rubber for better comfort and precise control.
• ErgoBall Area: Indented handle head allows for comfortable grip.
• Thumb Area: Thumb pad on top for additional control.

• Tension Ergonomic Handle Adjustment: Coin adjustable stainless steel screw to increase or decrease the swivel tension.
• Cone Lock: Firmly locks onto Unger Locking Cone.
• Swivel Function: Perfect for telescopic poles and hard to reach areas. Locks in any position. Choose tension to keep desired angle.

Aircraft Aluminium T6 Channel: Lightweight and stable Extruded Aircraft Aluminium T6 channel
construction. Choice of lengths up to 105cm - for speed cleaning large areas. Will not bend or break.
Perfect pressure distribution.

Flexible Rubber Positioning: Choose from two rubber positions: Lower position for shorter channels
(1), higher position for the longer channels (2). Each always has the right pressure and contact with
the glass.
Ninja Star Markings: Special Ninja star markings to easily find center position.

TriLoc channel locking mechanism - Fast and secure channel change and repositioning.

1. Channel is locked.

2. Channel is fixed and can not fall out or be moved.

3. Slide to adjust channel position or twist to exchange channel.

* Tension screw allows custom locking settings – works with most popular aluminium channels.

In the USA recently at the IWCA Florida exhibition, the ERGOTEC® NINJA was released in fine style by a blonde Ninja complete with opponents. Pictured: Alex Lambrinides of Window Cleaning Resource gets attacked.

Window Cleaning News

Rogers Back as GM of Unger UK: Dave Rogers has rejoined Unger as UK general manager. Well known in the British cleaning industry, Rogers originally joined Unger in January 1997, during which time he significantly increased revenue and profitability and championed the development of several product innovations, including the Unger HiFlo CarbonTec water-fed pole system. In early 2007 he left Unger to lead the commercial activities of a company in the grounds care and landscaping sector; in 2008, he served as managing director of Avmor UK, which he still owns.

Pictured:Hornets mascot Hercules with Moggy before he set off on the walk from Rochdale to Swinton. Rochdale's ladder-toting window cleaner Steve 'Moggy' Murray raised nearly £300 for Hornets on a sponsored walk between Rochdale and Swinton. Moggy, famous for carrying his ladder on charity walks all over the country, stepped up to the plate once again as he walked to Hornets game against Swinton in the Carnegie Challenge Cup. The game brought a memorable victory for Hornets, while Moggy raised some much needed funds for the new club and did a lap of honour at the ground to top up the coffers. Moggy took up his famous ladder again on Good Friday, walking from the Tanners Arms on Whitworth Road to Spotland for Hornets derby match against Oldham to raise further funds.

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Twin Cities: SEIU Local 26 Endorses Starbucks Workers Union Campaign: SEIU Local 26 represents 5,000 janitors, security officers, and window cleaners in the Twin Cities area in collective bargaining. The International Union represents nearly a quarter million workers in building services. Many of the workers they represent work in downtown Minneapolis in building services. Union officers were excited at the prospect of being able to buy union-made coffee from Starbucks locations downtown, and throughout the area. The next time you see a union janitor, security guard, or window cleaner, let them know you are glad to stand together with them for labor rights!

Window cleaner sick of fly-tippers: A WINDOW cleaner has slammed the state of Wardleworth’s streets after becoming fed up of seeing fly-tipped waste on his rounds. David Dyson wants Rochdale Council to take tougher action against the culprits and crack down on the problem. He told the Observer he has reported a number of incidents to the environmental services department over recent months, but was disappointed at the ‘lack of response’ to his complaints. He believes that the situation has worsened since he started working in the area two years ago and decided to voice his disgust after spotting rats among the rubbish in Good Shepherd Close. He said: "I’ve reported my concerns to the council’s environmental management hotline at least half-a-dozen times, but nothing seems to have been done.
"It’s disappointing because there’s rubbish everywhere. Lots of waste has been dumped, including old mattresses, bags of household waste and old newspapers. It’s not pleasant to see vermin running about." Mr Dyson complained that fly-tippers are targeting the whole of the neighbourhood and regularly dumping waste on the streets. "I spend a lot of my time in the area and at least 10 streets seem to be affected, including Ramsay Street, Trafalgar Street and Good Shepherd Close." Peter Cunningham, the head of the council’s environmental management service, said: "When residents report fly-tipped items we investigate every single case within two days and then take action as appropriate."

Invermere local Darryl Stettler has taken gold, silver and bronze trophies at three different judo and karate championships across B.C. and Alberta. He won gold at the Vancouver International Judo Championship on Feb. 4, silver at the Calgary Kyokushin Karate Cup at the Deerfoot Casino the same month and in March, picked up a bronze medal at the Edmonton International Judo Championship. Owner of Your Private Connection, a cleaning, lawn maintenance, delivery and window washing business, Stettler trains locally on a regular basis across multiple disciplines, and said that was what gave him the edge while fighting. He currently has a yellow belt. In the past Stettler has been a participant in the Rumble in the Cage cage match on the Fight Channel in Lethbridge last October. He also won the Rumble in the Rockies held locally in 2004. He was interested in competing in the upcoming So You Wanna Fight? competition being held at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena June 13, but was told he couldn’t. “I’m pro so I can’t go in it this year,” he said.

Three librarians vying to head the Multnomah County Library fielded questions and shared their experience during a public forum Tuesday. First up was Holly Carroll, interim director of Cleveland Public Library. Carroll has worked in libraries for more than 18 years, including serving as director of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library in Ohio and deputy director of the Cleveland system, which employs 600 people and operates 28 branches. A library advocate wanted to know how Carroll would react to a 20 percent budget cut. Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler has asked all county departments to cut their general fund budgets by 12 percent. Carroll said she had to cut the Cleveland library's budget by $5 million just last year and did so by not filling open positions, cutting the material budget and finding out what expenditures it could do without, such as eliminating window washing every other month.

For the last 14 years the Cleaning Corporation Limited in Castlebar has been providing a 100 per cent risk free guarantee for all its cleaning services. Customers enjoy peace of mind knowing that they are dealing with a first class professional service, with professional and ethical policies, practices, and procedures that ensure everyone is completely at ease and satisfied when booking a service. John and Lorraine Hall are absolutely passionate about their business and its success and of course guarantee high service standards. Value for money is their motto. It also offers domestic and commercial window cleaning services. Using purified harvested rainwater, its system cleans your glass and frames of your windows from the safety of the ground. Because the water is purified it cleans and rinses the windows to a spot free finish, as there are zero impurities in the water. This is very different to water straight from a tap as it contains natural impurities and additives.

MOSES LAKE — Joe Erickson’s window washing business opened in time to help customers start spring cleaning before Easter and subsequent house guests. “My biggest thing is, in the spring, what better than spring cleaning?” he said. There are many elements that can damage one’s windows, such as hard water, verified Erickson, owner of Emerald Services. He recommends window sealing for customers who only want their windows washed once a year. The sealing is needed due to the acid rain, hard water and bird waste in the area. Dirt is another factor when window cleaning in dusty Grant County. When Erickson’s not cleaning windows, he’s figured out related tasks to keep busy throughout the year. “I looked at a lot of different things,” he said. “How can I take and make this business a full year and make money year-round?” He also cleans awnings, gutters and screens and does window restoration and window sealing. Currently, Erickson is working to build a customer base that will keep using his services. “Everyone thinks a rag, Windex and newspapers will take care of it,” he noted. “I did quite a bit of research and learned more now when I was in school. I’m doing it because it’s my life, not because teachers told me.” After graduating from college, he wasn’t able to find work in his field upon returning to Moses Lake in 2006.
He credits family friend and Bishop Spray Service owner Dan Bishop with helping him develop his business idea. “He knew I was looking for something and he helped me come up with the whole idea of washing windows,” Erickson said. “He showed me a lot of the ropes I’m sure a lot of people would charge for.” Erickson said he subscribes to newsletters to learn more about his new endeavor. He’s also looking forward to becoming nationally certified in window washing, which is offered from ground level to high rise work.

A DAD gunned down on his doorstep was yesterday sitting up in his hospital bed chatting to his family and friends. Christopher Dean, 36, who was shot as he let his dog out for a run at his home in Paisley, was expected to be moved out of the High Dependency Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital as he continued to make a remarkable recovery. His distraught girlfriend, 36-year-old Charlene Dreghorn, was among his anxious visitors and said she was thrilled that he was on the mend. The mum-of-three added "He is in pain but sitting up chatting. He went through surgery and now has a scar on his stomach. He’s in a lot of pain. It was wonderful to see him and be able to tell him I love him."
Charlene, who lives in Paisley, added: "I think it will take a while before Christopher fully recovers. "The sooner he’s out of hospital the happier I will be. "He didn’t speak much of the shooting but I did hear him say the man with the gun wore a black hooded jumper. It all sounds terrifying to me." Christopher, a window cleaner, was targeted by a hitman who lay in wait at the side door of the family home at Brewster Avenue, in Gallowhill, Paisley, as he was letting his Rottweiler out around 12.10am on Wednesday. A single shot rang out and Christopher was hit in the stomach.

Running London Marathon for Help the Heroes – a military charity helping those wounded in Britain's current conflicts – is veteran runner Paul Ridgeway (50). It is the Nocton window cleaner's seventh London Marathon with Mr Ridgeway completing the demanding course in less than three hours – two hours and 58 minutes – in his heyday.

Choosing The Right Insurance Coverage: Building service contractors are looking for every way to save money in these lean times. From transportation and supply to labor and equipment costs, BSCs are cutting expenses to survive. However, according to industry experts, insurance is not an expense with which a BSC should look to save money. With small profit margins, a small accident or theft could push an uninsured BSC over the financial edge, not to mention what a catastrophic event would do. “Having adequate insurance coverage is important in tough economic times — if contractors reduce their level of coverage and don’t have adequate rotection, they may be faced with paying for the consequences of injury or loss out of their own pocket,” says Deb Denker, industry manager, Travelers Commercial Accounts, Hartford, Conn. “If contractors don’t have the means to pay for a claim or the high defense cost associated with a claim that may result in a civil suit, they could be forced out of business.”

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg rolled up his sleeves yesterday to clean windows at a hostel for the homeless. The MP washed two windows at the five-storey Salvation Army-run block in Bristol to see how social enterprise company Aspire provides jobs for the long- term unemployed and homeless. Mr Clegg said he was surprised to hear from window cleaner George James they were not allowed to use ladders for health and safety reasons. Instead they use a long pole brush, through which water is pumped. Mr Clegg said: "He told me that three or four years ago someone stopped them from using ladders because of health and safety - that's pretty draconian stuff." The Lib Dem leader rolled up his sleeves and washed windows with a 20ft pole during his visit. Aspire is based at the Barton Hill trading estate and has been running for 10 years. It provides employment in three areas, gardening and maintenance, painting and decorating, and window cleaning. Mr Clegg said schemes like Aspire were needed to beat the financial downturn. ...Mr. Clegg should also learn the law concerning health & safety.