Moerman Excelerator in action!

Have you checked out the highly anticipated Moerman Excelerator yet?! Check out two videos below that go over key features and how it looks in action!

Great thread of updates and information here.

Hands on with the Moerman Excelerator

Thanks to Luke the Window Cleaner for posting this video on the much anticipated Moerman Excelerator! Click below to check it out! They are using a prototype but the finished product should be ready late August or early September (hopefully!).

Woah! A New Window Cleaning Association

Coming soon!

The WCA - A new window cleaning association. Mark Munro will release a new association at the WCP show this September. He plans to make it a more affordable choice for many window cleaners in the UK. 

All he has to say at the present time is, "If you are a window cleaner, the WCA will have much to offer you." "Indeed, we believe that membership of the WCA will be a means by which all professional window cleaners will be recognised."

Meanwhile, you can register your interest on the facebook page here. For more information, email Mark Munro at markmunro009@btinternet.com

The countdown begins!

Woah! A New Window Cleaning Association

Coming soon!

The WCA - A new window cleaning association. Mark Munro will release a new association at the WCP show this September. He plans to make it a more affordable choice for many window cleaners in the UK. 

All he has to say at the present time is, "If you are a window cleaner, the WCA will have much to offer you." "Indeed, we believe that membership of the WCA will be a means by which all professional window cleaners will be recognised."

Meanwhile, you can register your interest on the facebook page here. For more information, email Mark Munro at markmunro009@btinternet.com

IWCA & GANA Release New Procedures For Glass Cleaning

This GIB is provides a valuable resource as glass products can be permanently damaged if infrequently or improperly cleaned. Glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with this GIB’s prescribed procedures for cleaning glass surfaces.

News & Press: Industry News - IWCA and GANA Release Updated Bulletin

IWCA & GANA: Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

The International Window Cleaners Association (IWCA) and Glass Association of North America (GANA) the have partnered together to provide an updated edition of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products Glass Informational Bulletin (GIB). Architectural glass products play a major role in the comfort of the living and working environment of today's homes and commercial office spaces by providing natural daylight, views of the surroundings, thermal comfort and design aesthetics. Glass usage and condition often affect our selection of where we live, work, shop, play and seek education. This GIB describes cleaning procedures that generally apply to most architectural glass products.

"This joint technical Bulletin is the pinnacle of a huge cooperative effort between GANA and IWCA.,” shares Paul West, IWCA Glass Committee Chair. “The end result is real world cleaning guidelines that will assist in maintaining the integrity of architectural glass surfaces."

Urmilla Sowell, GANA Technical Director, shares her thoughts on the importance of the joint effort between GANA and IWCA. “GANA’s Tempering Division members were happy to partner with IWCA on this important document. This bulletin helps promote best-practice approaches for entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is provides a valuable resource as glass products can be permanently damaged if infrequently or improperly cleaned. Glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with this GIB’s prescribed procedures for cleaning glass surfaces.

“GANA’s Tempering Division members are pleased to announce the publication of the Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass GIB. This updated document was a joint effort between IWCA and GANA. The joint group has worked hard to put together a usable document for the entire glazing industry.”

This GIB is a complimentary document and can be downloaded instantly by clicking here. Visit www.iwca.org to learn more about the International Window Cleaners Association.

New Power-Up Electric Window Cleaning Reels

PowerUP and PowerUPHD have a unique high speed low torque design meaning that while 100M of hose can be retracted in 30 seconds.

Power-Up electric window cleaning reels have exploded onto the UK industry and testimonials are pouring in! If you have not yet seen the "world first" range of electric window cleaning reels by Waterworks I'd highly recommend you take a look.  Industry insiders speculate that this new method of hose deployment and stowing could make your business up to 20% more efficient which translates into either an extra days pay or a days holiday (every week)!

In the UK, window cleaners typically make 20 to 40 stops per day, cleaning outside glass and frames only which is why its important to improve equipment efficiency wherever possible.  However, no matter how many stops you're making in one day, everyone can do without winding in 100 meters and the injuries & RSI associated with it.

Electric reels are nothing new... what makes PowerUP different?

Its true, electric reels are not a new invention but existing models have always been focused on industries using hydraulic hoses therefore, they have extremely high torque and low speed and are not suitable for 100 meter lengths of window cleaning micro-bore hose. In addition, all previously existing 12v models are power hungry and upwards of £900.00GBP

Both models, PowerUP and PowerUPHD have a unique high speed low torque design meaning that while 100M of hose can be retracted in 30 seconds, you wont have to worry about hose snagging or power consumption.  In the event of a snag, the reel will just keep trying without stretching your hose or damaging property. Click on links below..

Power Up (Complete)

Power Up (Add On) Gen 2

Power Up (Complete with Hose) Gen 2

OKGO

Add-ons & catalogue

There are a number of pricing options starting from as little as £199+ VAT delivered. The top end reel by Waterworks (PowerUPHD) retails at £399+VAT... meaning its half the price and twice as good as all other electric reels.  Satisfaction guaranteed (or your money back)

"A truly unique product with industry altering potential''  Window Cleaning Warehouse

As featured in both the 'Window Cleaning Magazine' and at the 'WCP Trade Show'

"I'll never go back to winding in... ever again" Oakley Window Cleaning

Also see: OKGO - A New Waterfed Delivery System

To find out more about PowerUP or simply to discuss the potential benefits for your particular business please contact us at info@waterworkswindowcleaning.co.uk or telephone UK (+44) 01536 384 434

Facebook  Twitter  Web  YouTube  Mailing list
Email: info@waterworkswindowcleaning.co.uk

 Its a tough business, motivation and wellbeing are key in overall job satisfation. Buy a PowerUP today and transform your window cleaning life forever along with 100s of others.

New Micro Trolley For Window Cleaners From AquaTec

Photo courtesy of Paul Kelly (prototype tester) of Clean n Clear in Bathgate.

Introducing the new Micro Trolley, (makers of the Aquatap), the first ever trolley developed to replace the backpack. Features include pole carrier, DI carrier and Hose wrap. Now you can afford, for all your employees to have one.

Water Fed Pole equipment does not get any better than this, the Micro Trolley overcomes previous problems associated with trolley systems. All the parts you see on the trolley slide off in seconds. Even the handle is detachable. Now there really is no need to be lifting heavy weights around all day, as one 25L containers can be slotted in when needed. And refilled by your on board DI tank.

Other waterfed pole trolley systems have you lifting 60 litres of water at a time. Other trolleys have not been designed with lifting in mind or pulling with one hand like we regularly do. Large wheels for very easy manoeuvrability through loose chippings or up and down kerbs or stairs.

Detachable handle designed to pull or push the trolley with one hand to leave the other hand free for other use.

Centre of gravity very low, coupled with the large wheels means it is very easy to manoeuvre even in the tightest of places, and assures its very stable standing on its own while in use.

The Micro Trolley is not to be confused with an occasional use sack truck, this is made to last and Aquatec Systems are so confident of its strength they have put a lifetime guarantee on the trolley frame.

The water fed pole equipment you get;

• Trolley
• Pole carrier (optional extra)
• DI carrier (optional extra)
• Battery Charger
• Water Container
• AquaTap - Patent Applied For (saves water)
• Pump Box with the below fitted
• Pump (70psi)
• Flow controller
• Battery lasts all day and takes around 6 hours to charge.

DI carrier: Ideal to fill the container in a soft water area from the customers tap while you work. This carrier can be taken off in seconds if not needed. Most of the time you will just be replacing an empty container for a full one but in a soft water area consider this. You are working in a housing estate cleaning houses very close to each other. Now most people have garden taps. You have just cleaned a couple of houses and your container is nearly empty and as you go round the back of the house where there is a tap, you hook the DI up to the tap and carry on cleaning the back windows of the house. By the time you finish the back windows your container is full again and you are ready for another two or three houses. Sometimes it may not be worthwhile, but sometimes it will be very worthwhile. Technically speaking someone who cant manage to lift full containers easily will never have to lift one again.. Ideal for soft water areas. For a limited time only this carrier and the pole carrier will be supplied FOC with all trolley sales.

Pole carrier: Ideal for storing your pole while walking with the trolley. This carrier can be taken off in seconds if not needed. Also doubles as a handy place to wrap your hose round or hang your hose.

Sometimes it's handy to rest your pole on your shoulder while you walk from window to window or house to house, but sometimes it's really handy to just have your pole in a pole holder leaving one hand completely free while you pull or push your trolley around. Ideal for any size pole. For a limited time only this carrier and the DI carrier will be supplied Free Of Charge with all trolley sales.

The pole carrier can be taken off in seconds if not needed.

Securing Bracket: Ideal for securing your trolley or trolley's in the back of the van. Bolts to the van floor. Push the trolley over the receiving piece and insert the pin giving it a turn, and your trolley is secured. We worry about securing tanks and other items in the back of the van and forget about our trolley. A trolley hurtling forward in a collision can do quite a bit of damage. Ideal for Securing your trolley. For a limited time only this securing bracket, pole carrier and the DI carrier will be supplied Free Of Charge with all trolley sales.

Ex-ceed Innovation New Tubeless Waterfed Poles

Quick fits for the new tubeless waterfed poles at the base, instead of running tubing up the pole. Click to enlarge.

"Aqua-dapters sister company; "Ex-ceed Innovation" are launching a new range of unique products to the world of waterfed poles, starting with this new range of tubeless poles, advantages are:

• 1) Only need one hose.
• 2) Very tidy van storage,
• 3) Hose's don't snag.
• 4) Quicker pole change over.
• 5) Ejector Sleeve protects fittings, no longer need for protector balls.
• 6) Very quick and easy to add on sections.

The new quick release makes it easier to switch brushes. Click to enlarge.

The new quick release angle adapter works like lightning, "when everything is unattached it's like you have a bare pole," says Steve Jones of Aqua-dapter. "We thought of it some time ago, thinking how good it would be to have a tubeless pole, because of the advantages.. it is a patented concept." "In the next few months we are releasing a companion to the new pole, where there will be a brush storage box & pole storage." "You will see nothing in the van... no hose, no pole hooks, just a smart storage, tank and hose reel."

Steve says, "the mechanism for the tubeless pole is very simple, but we don't want to leak to much at this time." "We thought of it some time ago, thinking how good it would be to have a tubeless pole, because of the advantages stated above." "Ex-ceed innovation are looking at around 2 months to make a website with all the new gear & the pole featured in the photos is a prototype." "I joined forces with another designer who thinks like myself, so we work well & we bounce ideas off each other."

"The V-lite pole is a product of aqua-dapter, and will continue as such as the Ex-ceed innovation poles will be in the same vein." "The aqua-dapter being our starting product will still be a valuable addition." Can you can use aqua-dapter on the new pole? "People have asked if you can use the aqua-dapter on the new pole, and yes you can, there is a fitting kit!" "We are hoping to take window cleaning to the next level with Ex-ceed!" The Aqua-dapter poles & fittings are all available from their website. And will be available to the USA exclusively at Window Cleaning Resource in the future.
Contact Steve personally at aquadapter.info @gmail.com

Click all pictures to enlarge.

New UK Guidance On Working At Height

A brief guide' can be accessed free of charge on line, is significantly simpler to understand and makes it very clear what anyone who works at height or their employers, need to do to properly plan any work at height and dispels a number of classic myths.

New guidance on working at height: The UK HSE has published its new guidance to working at height, including two new concise, easy to read guide books. The launch of this new guidance is pitched by the UK government as a significant step towards reducing red tape, but this is something of a myth as there are no legal changes to what is effectively European wide working at height legislation. However this does not detract from what are major improvements.

The new guides' Work at height - A brief guide' and 'Safe use of ladders - A brief guide' can be accessed free of charge on line, is significantly simpler to understand and makes it very clear what anyone who works at height or their employers, need to do to properly plan any work at height and dispels a number of classic myths.

The HSE summarises the new guidance as:

• Providing simple advice about do's and don'ts when working at height to ensure people are clear on what the law requires
• Busting some of the persistent myths about health and safety law, such as the banning of ladders when they can still be used 
• Offering targeted advice to helping business in different sectors manage serious risks sensibly and proportionately 
• Helping workers to be clearer about their own responsibilities for working safely.

Click to enlarge.

Printed versions of the two publications are also available for a small fee and can be ordered online, they are hosted on an improved working at height web page which is an excellent source for anyone who works at height. The guides are clearly visible but if you prefer click here to go directly to Work at height - 'A brief guide' and here for 'Safe use of ladders - A brief guide.'

Click to go directly to the guides section of the library

HSE chairman Judith Hackitt said: "It is important to get working at height right. Falls remain one of the biggest causes of serious workplace injury - with more than 40 people killed and 4,000 suffering major injuries every year. We have a sensible set of regulations and have been working with business to improve our guidance - making it simpler and clearer and dispelling some of the persistent myths about what the law requires."

"The result is advice that employers can count on to help them manage their businesses sensibly and proportionately. The need to ensure people understand what the law requires was identified in the independent review of health and safety regulation undertaken by Professor Ragnar L￶fstedt, and this proposal has been developed through the Red Tape Challenge."

For more health & safety guidance forms for window cleaners go here.

Men in Kilts Aiming To Be More Than Just A Gimmick

Men in Kilts owner Sentwali Lewis (left) and his partner Darcy Longpre at work on a home in Scarborough.

Men in Kilts - Aiming to be more than just a gimmick: In a competitive business like window washing, skirt-wearing male technicians definitely attract attention. And Men In Kilts,which started in Vancouver more than 10 years ago, is banking on that curiosity to grow franchises across North America. A recent weekday morning found Toronto co-owner-operator Sentwali Lewis up on ladder buffing the windows of an east Scarborough home.

It was a typical sight, save the green tartan kilt he had on. “People are very surprised when we show up on site wearing our kilt, but that’s our name,” said Lewis. “You have to differentiate yourself from the competition. Everyone thinks the kilt is just a gimmick; yes, but once you experience our service, you’ll see what we have to offer; there’s a lot more going on than the kilt.” The rest of the uniform consists of black boots, black socks and a grey t-shirt that warns “No Peeking!” In winter, black running tights fend off the chill, said Lewis who actually traces great, great, great grandparents on both sides back to Scotland.

A little originality can boost brand awareness, but it won’t drive business long-term, said Queen’s University marketing professor Ceren Kolsarici. “Those little unique ideas definitely help establish the brand early on if a customer hasn’t heard of the brand name, but what keeps the company going is the satisfaction rating,” she said, drawing comparisons to movie trailers. “In the initial success of the movie, advertising is the big driver, but then word-of-mouth and ratings come into the picture. As long as the audience satisfaction is high, then the success will be strong on the upcoming weekend. This is the same idea.”

Kilts may be the calling card for Lewis, who launched the Toronto operation with Darcy Longpre in March, but customer service is their long game. “I say treat every homeowner like you’re going into your parent’s house or your grandparent’s house,” explained Lewis, 39. “Make sure that they see why they should choose us instead of one of our competitors.”

Founded in 2002 by B.C.-based Scotsman Nicholas Brand, Men In Kilts quickly gained traction, earning $1 million in revenue in 2009. That’s the year Tessa Wood, former VP of Operations at hyper successful start-up, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? took notice of their tartan embossed trucks tooling around Richmond, B.C. “They really stood out and would make me smile; and just seeing the emotion they would elicit from me, made me think ‘This is powerful,’ said Wood. “It stood out as such a cool brand. I reached out and said ‘Hey, do you guys want some help franchising?’ We partnered up and incorporated the franchising company.”

As CEO, she has heralded the establishment of nine franchises, system wide sales over 5 million, and the expansion of services to include, gutter, eavestrough and siding cleaning and pressure washing. Her goal is to have locations in every major city in Canada and the U.S. by 2017. “It’s a very fragmented industry,” said Wood. “I saw a lot of similarities between the market opportunities that JUNK had. Who you think of when you need to get windows cleaned? Well, no one. And we’re looking across North America and saying ‘This could be a really great brand and a service that people need.’”

The company will hire female technicians, but representatives say they rarely apply and none are currently are employed with the company, although the female Boston franchise owner is trained to clean windows. There seems to be no trouble finding men willing to clean in kilts, which are mandatory for the job, except on certain days in Alberta. “Because it’s really windy in Calgary which I didn’t realize,” explained Wood. “We had to put in sort of a safety caveat about not wearing the kilts if it’s windy to the point where the kilts are literally blowing up above their waists. But it’s only in that windy extreme weather; otherwise, it’s just a matter of layering.”

From left, Tyler Buchanan, Keenan Ndjiva, Ryan Light and Jonard Janolino of Men In Kilts are turning heads with their creative window-cleaning concept.

Men in Kilts more than clever gimmick - Window-cleaning company aims to expand to 50 markets: A window-cleaning service staffed by men in kilts that started in Metro Vancouver more than a decade ago is now focusing on expanding its unique brand throughout the U.S. From its start in 2002, Men In Kilts has expanded to Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto as well as Seattle, Boston, New Jersey and Philadelphia. CEO Tressa Wood said her goal is to be in every major market in North America by 2017. "There are about 50 on the list we're targeting," she said. "We might look at smaller markets, as well."

Wood has experience with expanding a start-up, having formerly been vice-president of operations at 1-800-GOTJUNK. Before travelling extensively throughout the U.S. for that company, Wood said she might have been a little intimidated about expanding south of the 49th parallel. "Once you've spent a lot of time in all the different regions of the States, it's not that scary," she said. "I see it as a big opportunity. We've really had no hiccups whatsoever delivering the same service."

Wood is aiming to expand the types of services offered by Men In Kilts in the next seven to 10 years. "Once you establish that footprint across North America and have a database of happy residential and commercial customers who are loving us for window cleaning and gutter cleaning and exterior cleaning, it makes sense for us to say: 'If you love us for that, we can also do your carpets and your lawn.' The brand is generic enough to do that."

In Men In Kilts' first year of operation, revenue totalled $20,000. This year, the company is expected to hit $6 million. Nicholas Brand, the Scottish-Canadian who founded the company, said the business is definitely about more than marketing. "Gimmicks have become a four-letter word in business," he said. "You need to stick out from the crowd in this day and age. If I started Nick's Window Cleaning, you wouldn't be calling today. If you can't follow up with quality, then you are nothing but a gimmick."

Men in Kilts has its North American call centre in south Surrey, where customers can phone to get estimates and book jobs six days a week. Customers are also contacted afterward to make sure they're satisfied with the quality and service. All technical training for the new franchisees is done by Brand. "I don't think there's a window cleaning company in North America that has the quality control and customer service that we do," he said.

Men in Kilts window washers wear kilts with a Wallace hunting tartan. They're made from a cotton-polyester blend rather than the traditional wool. They're the kind used by athletes in the Highland Games. Cleaning the windows of a typical bungalow in Oakridge would likely be done for the minimum charge of $140. However, the company's average invoice is $350 because its workers are often doing additional jobs such as cleaning gutters or pressure washing.

More news on Men in Kilts can be found here. 

New October Window Cleaning Magazine UK - With Video

October edition of Window Cleaning Magazine UK out now!

The October edition of the UK Window Cleaning Magazine is out now & available to download now from here. Pdf file, direct link here. Or for html flash, click here. It's great that logging in is no longer required. Stuart Webster, is also in charge of the editorial section in this edition. The contents of this issue are listed below, but there's much much more inside!

• AquaTap - Latest water saving device 
• High rise with Empire - Read the intervew, watch the film (video below)
• Britain’s unlikliest window cleaner - Is Gerald the UK’s heaviest window cleaner? 
• Window cleaning in the Redneck Riviera - We catch up with Jeff Temperley (video below)
• New from Brodex - The new range of poles from Brodex 
• Victoria Giebe - Single mum achieves success in business 
• Darron’s story - Darron Mothersby talks about his life changing accident

Window Cleaning News

Window Washer Juan Monterroza works as water drips 20-stories to the ground. Juan Monterroza begins cleaning a row of windows on 100 Front Street in Worcester. Click to enlarge.

Window washer Juan Monterroza lowers himself from the roof of 100 Front Street to wash a vertical row of windows Tuesday July 16, 2013. Juan and another washer from Pierce Property Services will wash all the windows on the 20-story building in 4 days. He has washed most of the tall buildings in Worcester and Boston, including Prudential Center and the Hancock Tower, over 16 years on the job.  Click to enlarge.

Window Washer Juan Monterroza ties multiple figure eight knots and clove hitches anchoring his 2 ropes to steel and concrete anchors on the roof of 100 Front Street in Worcester. One of the most demanding parts of Juan Monterroza's job is hauling 600-foot ropes up to the roof of tall buildings as he works his way around. Click to enlarge.

Window Washer Juan Monterroza cleans windows on 100 Front Street in Worcester. Click to enlarge.

Duane Keller, of Fargo, owns Brite-Way Window Cleaning, a commercial and residential window cleaning company.

It's My Job: Fargo business owner has a clear vision for 'Brite' idea. Brite-Way Window Cleaning owner Duane Keller’s business philosophy centers around concentrating efforts on customers, not competitors. He doesn’t worry about being the cheapest in town. He wants to be the best. It’s just one of many ideas he picked up from the Brite-Way representative who trained him 40 years ago. Keller recently talked about his trade and the uniqueness of the Brite-Way business model.

Q. Is Brite-Way a franchise? Brite-Way started more than 40 years ago in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Since its beginning, there have been more than 600 window-cleaning companies that have started. … The various companies are totally independent of each other. Other than initial training and consulting, we have no ties to each other. There has never been a dime of franchise fees paid.

How did you get into the business? A friend of mine was doing this, and I thought it was kind of interesting. I went to Cedar Rapids and trained for a week. He taught me pricing structure, sales tips, techniques, supplies to use, and how to do it efficiently. … It was a one-bucket operation to begin with.
Do you clean both commercial and residential windows? We’re 70 percent commercial and 30 percent residential.

What is the tallest building you’ve cleaned? We never were high-rise window cleaning. Through the years, we’ve been route and residential window cleaning. A route would be places like car dealers, grocery stores and those types. We also have more than 1,000 homes that we clean each spring and fall. We do a lot of lake homes.
What do you do on rainy days? There are always some insides to do or windows under canopies. We’ve had a real rainy season, and if it’s not windy, we’ll do windows right in the rain. Rainwater is clean and will not spot the windows. We always have a guarantee for the customer that if they can see a spot to give us a call, and we never get calls.

What are some challenges? The weather would certainly be a challenge. We get absolutely bombarded as soon as spring comes because you have spring cleanup. Then you have graduations, which also are very big. It’s kind of nice when mother-in-laws come to town, as well. Every once in a while we get a call saying ‘My mother-in-law is coming to town. Can you come and clean them this week?’

What do you like about your job? It’s fun. It’s the challenge of picking up new customers and working with my employees. I always tell the employees, we do more than clean windows, we serve people. That philosophy and culture has to start with me. If I don’t treat my employees that way, how do I expect them to carry that on?

Business Owners Are Planning Marketing Blitzes After SEC Action on Unregistered Shares: Douglas Penman of San Francisco is eager to place ads on buses and in newspapers inviting investors to back his startup, Nukotoys Inc., a maker of children's educational trading cards that interact with mobile devices. He also wants to hire people to wear T-shirts with the message, especially window washers, because the skyscrapers they clean could have wealthy executives inside. Mr. Penman started Nukotoys in 2010 after working for 15 years in the advertising industry. He says he raised a little more than $1 million from friends and family early on but quickly spent most of that on product development. Since then, he says, he has struggled to attract angel and venture investors to provide additional funding to expand his user base. Mr. Penman, who's seeking about $2 million, figures he would be more successful if he could openly solicit investors.

The Valley Today's John Trierweiler spent a day cleaning the windows at Essentia Health in Fargo, with A&B Window Cleaning.

John's Jobs: Window Washer - It's a job where you can't be afraid of heights, requires strong hands & arms and relies on nice weather. The Valley Today's John Trierweiler spent a day cleaning the windows at Essentia Health in Fargo, with A&B Window Cleaning. A&B cleans about 2,400 pieces of glass once a year at Essentia. A job that size takes them about three days to finish and there's a lot more to window cleaning than you think. AJ Hampson, showed us the ropes, literally. Introducing us to the bosun's chair, which allows him to be more agile. "As opposed to scaffolding there's a lot more gear involved and all we do is we're harnessed in and second we strap into this chair," Hampson said.

Of course strapping into that chair, getting hooked up and hopping over the top of an eight story building isn't easy.  But, failure to wash windows and get rid of all that dirt and grim can decay the life span of a window like plaque decaying a tooth. "That's all a build up of exhausts and dirt it all gets baked into the glass and if these buildings are not maintained well then you're going to have to replace a lot of glass and that gets pretty spendy,"  Hampson said.

A&B also gets a unique perspective, since they're the only ones who will get up close to the side of the building. They don't just wash the windows but look for any areas of concern. "Are there any real loose ends is the building starting to shift to much where we're starting to get leaks that's the kind of company we are where we keep track of that for our boss," Hampson said. When asked, how John did washing the windows on the side of Essentia, the team at A&B was very impressed. Hampson told him, "They turned out great your first couple windows ever, I was impressed. You're welcome to join the team anytime."

Window cleaning scam warning for Bridport: Tenants in the Bridport have been warned not to fall for a window cleaning scam. Magna has put out an alert after con men were targeting residents in Flaxhayes. The housing provider’s window cleaning contractors, Clean Image reported that people were trying to trick residents out of cash. After the contractors had finished cleaning the windows and had left site, another company was knocking on residents’ doors and requesting money for the work. A Magna spokesman advised tenants not to part with any money and said: “Clean Image does not request money from residents, so this is a scam.”

Bogus window cleaner tricks vulnerable people: Police are appealing for information about a bogus window cleaner, who has three times this week stolen from homes in Barking and Dagenham. On Monday, 15 July, the bogus cleaner called at two addresses of elderly residents in Dagenham. Today (Wednesday, 17 July) there was another in the Gascoigne area of Barking. In all three cases the man claimed to be a window cleaner, there to collect money that is owed to the resident’s genuine window cleaner. In the first two cases he gained entry to the houses and stole from them.

The man is described as a white male, 20-40 years old, of medium build with short fair or blonde hair. Investigating Officer, DC Gemma Townsend said: “I would like to remind everyone to be vigilant when they have a ‘knock at the door’. “Please don’t be trusting of strangers calling at your home unexpectedly. If you care for or are related to an elderly or vulnerable person please make sure they are aware of these incidents.” Anyone with information about these incidents should contact DC Gemma Townsend at the Barking and Dagenham Police Burglary Unit on 0203 276 1044, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are reminding Wirral householders to make sure their properties are secure as the lighter nights and warmer weather set in. Crime prevention officers say thieves take advantage of insecure properties and gain entry to premises looking for easy access - preferably through a left open door or window. Detective Inspector Justin Danher said: "We want our residents to feel secure in their homes but we also want to make you aware that unfortunately there are burglars who are prepared to enter homes through open windows and unlocked doors or even by using tools or garden implements to force an entry. "With lighter, warmer nights, we are urging residents to continue to make sure your homes and outbuildings such as sheds and garages are secure and not left vulnerable. "The community has an important role to play in preventing crime. We all lead busy lives but by taking a few extra seconds to check our homes are secure, our cars are locked and valuables - including car keys are not left on display." Phone Merseyside Police if you see anything or anyone suspicious whom you do not recognise or are not expecting, such as a window cleaner or builder.

Location: Sisley Italian Kitchen Restaurant  - The manager had the new busboy clean the windows and he found out that the cleaning service has not been there for six months. Mike the manager and Pamela sat at a table for four to have lunch together. She was on the internet all morning after her nap and then sat at a table that could have been making money with Mike the manager. When she went back to her office, she went into the safe to go over the last night’s receipts. When the paychecks were done, Mike the manager had two checks; his and a Hector Rodriguez. Mike went into the office to get a check for $500 from Pamela for the window cleaners. What window cleaners; weren’t the busboys doing the windows for at least six months? When confronted, Mike was adamant that he was doing no wrong. When Jamie accused him of stealing, Mike told him that he would pay him back, and he could take it out of his pay. Jamie had enough; he fired him on the spot.

Councillors caught on camera: You couldn't make it up...well, you could but, in this case, it's for real. I refer to the front page story where community councillor and campaigner Ian Murdoch has revealed that he has photographs of the four elected councillors - and a few community councillors - all parked illegally, particularly in and around Aitken Street, Largs. We actually 'sat' on the story for a few weeks because Ian Murdoch did not want distracted from the work he was doing for the recent Highland Games and the Family Fun Day. Councillor Murdoch, who admits that he has, at times, parked on yellow lines around Largs while going about his window cleaning and 'handyman' business, is making the point that there is no point in certain people jumping up and down and calling for action when they are culprits themselves. Personally, I resist the temptation to stop on the double yellows outside Tescos in Aitken Street, even on quiet evenings and if I have to walk a short distance to the shop so be it. Too many local folk are just plain lazy when they sit outside Tescos.

Covington City Councilman Keith Dalton admitted he has been operating two businesses without the proper licensing for years, but said he has now rectified that. “It was an omission on my part. I’m sorry if I’ve let anybody down,” he said. Records in the Planning and Zoning department show Dalton has now paid the proper fees for both his businesses. Dalton owns Covington Window Cleaners Inc., a janitorial service, and Hat Creek Properties LLC, a property management company. He has not paid the home occupational tax for either until recently. Covington Window Cleaners was formed in 1986 and Hat Creek Properties, which he owns with Craig Treadwell, was formed in 2007. Records on file with Planning and Zoning show Dalton paid the $100 home occupation tax for Hat Creek Properties on June 28. The $50 fee for Covington Window Cleaners was paid July 15, according to records.

Dalton said he has maintained registration with the Secretary of State’s Office and paid for general liability and worker’s compensation insurance, which cost more than the home occupation tax. Dalton said because the businesses are service-oriented, with work done on the job sites, and he only handles some related finance matters from his home on Flat Rock Trail, he did not think he needed a license. “It was just an omission on my part. I’m sure I’m not the only one but I can only worry about myself and fix the guy in the mirror,” he said. Senior Planner Scott Gaither said there have been no complaints filed with the Planning and Zoning Office about Dalton’s businesses. Dalton will not be charged retroactively, Gaither said. “Our goal is for compliance and not to penalize,” Gaither said, adding that such fees are for revenue and not regulatory purposes. The city does not technically have business licenses but occupational and home occupational taxes solely for the purpose of collecting revenue and not regulating business operations, according to City Attorney Ed Crudup. Dalton said that he has received a lot of support from the community since it was first reported that he did not have proper licensing. “It is overwhelming and has been way more of a positive than it has a negative,” he said.

Star Shots: Window washer Alex Conde was helping give people a clear view of City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, July 16, 2013, while working on the parking garage at 11th and Oak streets. Conde works for Sun-Lite Service.

Window Cleaning Jesus: “There was one RE teacher once who had a picture of Jesus and she was showing it to the class and said to them I want you to tell me who this is. All their faces were blank. One little girl said ‘Well it looks awfully like our window cleaner,’ added Sue. “It is times like that make your life worth living,” said Helen. Talking of their job over the years and the advice they would offer to new teachers, the four women all said a sense of humour is imperative and an ability to stretch the children in their abilities.

Pigeon Racing: Curtis duo celebrate Channel race success - Just over 100 birds were sent by the Diss and District Racing Pigeon Club to Canappeville in France last Saturday. The race hosted the tradition Yearling Derby, where members are encouraged to send yearling birds over the channel (many for the first time) to compete. An encouraging number of 2012-born-and-bred pigeons were entered, but the winning bird was a year older, belonging to John and Lee Curtis. The Hepworth window cleaners clocked their winner after five hours on the wing to record a velocity of 1,277ypm.

SINGAPORE - A few days before Chinese New Year last year, Mrs Chandra Sivaramakrishnan was watching television late at night when she heard a loud bang. She ran out of her house to find that her elderly neighbour's sliding window had fallen onto the corridor. "It made such a frightening sound but no one came to check on what had happened. It was almost midnight. I was quite shocked and I thought she (the elderly neighbour) had fallen down but fortunately it was just the window that she was cleaning," Mrs Chandra told tabla! She helped the 70-year-old neighbour, who lives alone in her Tampines flat, to fix the window. In its fourth year, the Good Neighbour Award recognises those who go the extra mile for people in their community with exemplary acts of neighbourliness.

Window-cleaner Christian Barrios was one of many workers from more than 200 companies and suppliers preparing for today's 2013 NW Natural Parade of Homes.

Stephen Gill attaches a camera to a long pole to probe the bleak hide-outs of London’s most maligned birds - Stephen Gill is an alternative archaeologist, using his camera to peel away the layers that other photographers either don’t see, or don’t care about. He has always been interested in the underside of things. Years ago he did a series of pictures of the back of billboards – dull brown wooden rectangles whose blankness implied the emptiness of what was offered on the other side. Inner-city birds are something I’ve always watched and been interested in – the proximity between the human world and the animal world – and pigeons get such a hard time. So I thought, if I could get a camera up there…” He attached a camera to a telescopic window-cleaner’s pole and set up the self-timer and the flash. He had 12 seconds to get the pole up under the bridge and hold it still before the flash went off. He was photographing completely blind.

Cleaning windows: Shell’s thinktank mulls over world’s energy future - The Shell Strategy and Scenarios Team, whom political analyst Dr. Cho-Oon Kong (pictured) refers to as “window cleaners,” are looking at various possible energy futures and what can be done for more sustainable development. Surely, even now people realize that energy transition is taking place for reasons of climate change, among others. Over the next few decades, “We face a range of more turbulent changes, not just in energy but also in economic and geopolitical terms,” Kong said. The Team has come up with two broad energy scenarios—“Mountains” and “Oceans”—based on perceived trends in the economy, politics, and energy as far ahead as 2100.

CLEAR OUTLOOK: Sarah Cox is one of the few female window cleaners in South Canterbury.

Windows open up career in cleaning: If Sarah Cox stopped and had a coffee every time she was asked she would never get the windows cleaned, though she is grateful for the offers. The Geraldine mother started window cleaning three years ago and being a female endears her to clients, particularly mature women who live alone. It was not so much a career choice as a fortuitous opportunity. Her neighbour, Sarah Robinson, was looking for someone to take over her clients and Ms Cox was looking for work that would fit around her child; it was perfect.

She said it can be hard physically which is probably why most window cleaners are male. It certainly gives her a solid workout. "I lost 5 kilograms over six months in summer," she said. Not keen on heights Ms Cox tries to avoid ladders and instead uses a 10-metre pole for top storeys. A squeegee is a must with a bucket of water and chemicals. "It did take a few months to learn to swish," she said. The aim was to remove the water and not leave marks, in one flowing movement.

The benefits of the job outweigh the downside of working in the cold sometimes, she said. "I meet a lot of new people." Ms Cox is surprised that when people first find out what she does as a job they put it in the same category as a chore such as cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawns. "It's the last thing they want to do." The common aversion to the task just means more work for Ms Cox.

Little heat wave relief for arena construction workers: For construction workers surrounded by hot, sun-baked metal, the key words are hydration, hydration, hydration. As the temperature crept into the mid-90s Tuesday afternoon, sweat poured down John Culp's face. Stationed on the exposed metal roof of National Penn Bancshares' 11-story future headquarters at Seventh and Hamilton streets in Allentown, the 45-year-old Luzerne County ironworker had nowhere to hide from the midday sun. Torch in hand, long sleeves pulled down to protect against sparks, Culp set to welding rooftop anchors that will one day be the only things keeping a window washing crew from plummeting 11 stories down the side of the building. His only relief: the occasional breeze or a passing cloud. "It's miserable," Culp said. "But we are ironworkers. That's what we do. That's what we got into. That's our racket. If you don't like it, you just don't belong here." On a day like Tuesday, Culp figured he would suck down about a case of ice water.

The full extent of The closure of Southampton's ford factory was revealed today. With just ten days before the historic plant in Swaythling closes, the Daily Echo was given a guided tour of the site as workers prepare to down tools for the last time. All 531 employees working at the factory have either chosen redeployment within Ford, voluntary redundancy or early retirement. Mark McDonald, 49, from Regent's Park, has worked at the plant 23 years. He said: "Now everyone wants to get it over with. "I cannot fault Ford. When the closure was announced I thought everyone was going to be out of work. "But they helped us. I'm now going to join a window cleaning franchise. "It's very strange. These are people you've worked with for 23 years. It will be very emotional."

'Magnify how beautiful you can be' - Don has been in business all his life; that's what he does. He's created and sold successful and lucrative businesses in window cleaning, Sun Valley property management, antique dealing, grocery brokering. The promise to his son has become the driving force behind his next business, which emerged as he researched Matthew's cancer and treatment. "It occurred to me … that cancer is a symptom of a far greater problem. …"Your shampoo contains cancerous elements. Your deodorant does; your laundry detergent does: parabens and carcinogens …"Can you be genetically more predisposed to it than someone else? Absolutely. But that's greatly aggravated by environment, and also decreased by environment, depending on whether it's good or bad."

About the same time he became convinced that cancer was related to environment, Don learned about a product, a proprietary blend of plant extracts, he says, that, applied to crops, increases yields and decreases the need for massive amounts of fertilizer in fields, thus lessening the impact of chemicals in the environment. "And I have a son who is dying of cancer. … "I'm thinking this landed in my lap. I have to do something with this." Don is not an environmentalist or an advocate; he is a businessman. But a businessman with a promise to his son.

A rapidly growing company that cleans up after England's elite footballers has started the first wave of a major expansion by announcing plans to fill 80 jobs. MJF Cleaning Services, in Darlington, says it wants to create about 400 posts during the next five years, and extend operations into the North West. The firm, founded just seven years ago by domestic window cleaner, Martin Ferguson, already cleans steel structures at the Football Association's £105m St George's Park training base, in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and recently expanded its Darlington headquarters to house its 125-strong workforce.

Mr Ferguson, MJF managing director, says the firm, which has cleaning contracts with Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, and Middlesbrough's Cleveland Cable, was committed to opening a new office near the M62 next year. He said: “Our biggest investment will always be in our staff, who are all local, as they are the most important part of what we do and keep our business growing. “The offices needed changing as we have more staff than we anticipated at this stage in our development, and coupled with our marketing investment, will be essential if we want to attract new contracts and compete nationally.”

Man injured by a piece of shattered glass files suit (NEW ORLEANS) – A cabinet installation company is being sued by a Michigan man who claims a shard of glass injured his eye after a window was thrown off a two-story building. Matthew Coburn filed suit against Certain Underwriters and Lloyd’s of London and Ruiz Cabinet Installation LLC in the Orleans Parish Central District Court on May 15. Coburn claims he was packing his tools on the ground floor of a two-story building that was undergoing renovations on 1924 Lafayette Street on June 3, 2011 while two employees from Ruiz Cabinet Installation were on the second floor doing demolition work, including removing windows. The plaintiff alleges that a window thrown from a second floor shattered near him and caused a piece of glass to shoot into his eye. The defendant is accused of negligence for allegedly failing to correct unsafe work conditions, not transporting the window to ground level safely and failing to properly train and supervise employees. An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of present and future economic income and earning potential.

Wrigley Building lifts curtain on its $70 million redo: A year-long, $70 million rehab of the iconic Wrigley Building is complete. The renovation and restoration, a joint venture by the Zeller Development Corp. and Goettsch Partners, a Chicago-based architectural firm, has given new life and luster to the Wrigley Building's twin towers and to the plaza and pedestrian walkway situated between the towers. One unusual aspect of the building hasn't changed with the revamp, however: All the exterior surfaces of the many windows in the building will continue to be cleaned from the inside. "No one wants window washer equipment to damage the building's ornate terra cotta exterior," noted Janice Sava Goldsmith, president of Zeller Development Corporation.

Retired minister and poet the Rev. John Mark Scott -Born on Sept. 13, 1919, Rev. Scott lived with his parents, two sisters and a brother in Reserve. He attended Allegheny High School on the North Side, which was a 3-mile trek, one way, from his family home. "It was downhill in the morning, but uphill coming home," he said. "The walk got pretty warm in September and June." He helped to pay for his education at the University of Pittsburgh by working as an elevator operator and window washer. He recalled working outside the Cathedral of Learning in a bosun's chair, suspended more than 30 stories above the ground. He trained for the ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Father, grandfather of Cherish's sisters want custody:  Both the father and the grandfather of Cherish Perrywinkle’s two sisters are vowing to win custody of the girls who were taken weeks after Cherish’s abduction and death. The father, Aharon Pearson, 37, said 5-year-old Destiny and 4-year-old Nevaeh Perrywinkle were taken by the Department of Children and Families this week, mostly because of the disrepair of the Northside house he was renting. He and Rayne Perrywinkle, Cherish’s mother, separated in the week after Cherish’s death. His custody case plan from the Department of Children and Families calls for him to attend parenting classes twice a week, keep a steady job, rent a two-bedroom apartment, receive grief counseling and pass a psychological evaluation. “I’m putting my trust in God,” he said. “One way or the other, ... [Rayne and I] want to get the kids back.”

Cherish Perrywinkle was found dead after she was abducted from a Jacksonville Walmart on June 21. Donald James Smith, a 56-year-old sex offender, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. Cherish died of strangulation, according to the indictment. Pearson said he’s been able to call his two daughters since they were taken Tuesday. The girls, according to Pearson and his father, are with a family that helped after Cherish’s death. Perrywinkle could not be reached for comment. Pearson said his daughters don’t know what’s going on, but they were asking where he was. “I miss you, Daddy,” he said they had told him. He’s not the only one fighting for custody, though.

His father and the girls’ grandfather, 65-year-old Tom Pearson, said he feels well-equipped to take care of the girls financially and emotionally. “I am trying to get custody of my grandbabies,” he said. He said he had offered to temporarily take the girls after Cherish died so Perrywinkle could have time to grieve, but she got upset at him for suggesting it. Tom Pearson said he’s wanted to get custody of the girls for a while. “The kids were always in danger over there,” he said, noting that Perrywinkle and his son often argued. “I want the best for her, I really do. But not right now. Not with my grandkids.” Tom Pearson will have to talk to the local agency for foster care services, Family Support Services of North Florida. Aharon Pearson said though his father would do a good job raising the girls, he should get custody. “The truth is, they’re my girls,” he said. “As long as I do what I am supposed to do, I have a better case of getting them.”

Aharon Pearson said he has been working as a window cleaner for about five months. His father plans on retiring within the next year from his hardwood flooring business. Department of Children and Families spokesman John Harrell said that custody cases consider the safest and most familiar place that the children would be in. “We have to, number one, make sure the children are going to be safe, they’re going to be cared for, they’re going to be protected,” he said. “If you have a case where the children may be familiar with a certain person, then that needs to be taken into consideration, too.” He said that caseworkers with Family Support Services would make recommendations to a court and then a judge would make the decision. Judges and caseworkers review the cases every 30 days, but they try not to move children around too much. “You would want to, in cases like these, as much as possible, avoid disruptions in children’s lives,” he said. “You want some sort of normalcy.”

Woman accused of torturing two maids in Dubai: A woman has been accused of torturing her two maids and causing one of them to die of pneumonia, while she kept them unfed and locked in her Al Rashidiya home for more than a month. The surviving maid, a Filipina, alleged that the 45-year-old Emirati woman, R.M., beat them with sticks while naked, banged their heads against the wall until they bled and forced her to drink cleaning products. She told the court her Ethiopian colleague was so hungry she searched for food in the garbage. Prosecution records said the severity of the torture and conditions of their confinement led to the Ethiopian’s death and caused the 29-year-old Filipina, E.K. to suffer severe injuries. Dubai Police’s forensic expert, who examined the injuries of the Ethiopian, K.J., confirmed that she had been tortured consistently for more than a month. The examiner said keeping K.J. without medication worsened her health and caused her to develop pneumonia. “The fact that she was made to drink a pesticide quickened her death,” said the examiner.

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors said R.M. also failed to provide the maids with medical care that led to K.J.’s death while the Filipina suffered serious injuries. Prosecutors charged R.M.’s Emirati husband, A.F., with aiding and abetting his wife by preparing a room at the top of his villa and sealing its windows from outside to confine the maids. The Emirati husband and his wife entered a not guilty plea when they defended themselves before the Dubai Court of First Instance. “No, I am not guilty,” A.F. told the court. Meanwhile, his wife, R.M., said with a jittery voice: “No… that did not happen. I swear to God. I did not touch the maids. I knew nothing about their injuries.” Presiding judge Ali Atiyyah Sa’ad rejected R.M.’s bail request and adjourned the trial to hear witnesses on July 1. The husband remains out on bail.

The Filipina testified that R.M. once forced her to drink Chlorox mixed with Dettol because she disapproved of the way she cleaned the bathroom. “She did not feed us properly and kept us locked up inside the room for long periods. She used to beat us with sticks until they broke on our bodies. She constantly claimed that she had a VIP job and threatened to send me to jail because her husband worked in the court. Her brutality and torture made me consider absconding… but I failed to do so because we were confined all the time. She prevented me from calling my parents. Most of the time K.J. and I were not allowed to speak to each other. “She beat us brutally and used to bang our heads against the walls until we bled. She used to remove our clothes and force us into the washroom where she would take pictures of us naked and threaten to send them to our friends.

One day K.J. was so hungry that she had to look for something to eat from the garbage. Four days before her death, K.J. fell very ill… she couldn’t walk or talk or go to the bathroom. R.M. insisted on not taking the Ethiopian to hospital although I warned her and begged her to do so. When it was too late and K.J died, the defendant [R.M.] offered me huge amounts of money to keep my mouth shut,” said E.K. R.M.’s countrywoman friend testified that she spotted the woman suspect beating and torturing the maids over different occasions. The husband was quoted admitting that they confined the maids to prevent them from absconding. He also told prosecutors that his wife was a very nervous person and a troublemaker.

Man told ex she would ‘wake up to a dead body’- A man threatened to stab his former girlfriend and any man who went near her, a court was told. Thomas Jones sent his ex-girlfriend numerous texts and told her she would wake up to a dead body on the doorstep at her Blackpool home. Jones, a 23-year-old window cleaner, of North Avenue, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to harassing his former partner before magistrates. He was bailed to July 24 for pre-sentence reports by Blackpool Magistrates’ Court. He must not enter Blackpool except for court and appointments with his lawyer and not contact his ex as conditions of his bail.

Adrian Hollamby, prosecuting, said Jones returned his daughter and her son to his ex-girlfriend after having the children to stay overnight with him on July 8. Later he went into her bedroom and quizzed her on what she had been doing and if she had been seeing anyone. He then saw a photograph of a man she had once been out for a drink with, the court was told. He the told his ex-girlfriend: “I’m going to stab him. I’ll stab anyone who goes near you and then I’ll stab you.” He left but bombarded her with texts. She texted back: “I’m sick of being scared of you,” the court heard. Leisa Splaine, defending, said the couple had been in a relationship for three years. Ms Splaine added: “That relationship is over and that is something that has been difficult for him.”