Jaret the Window Cleaner - Sneak Release Exclusive

The New Star of WCR - hot off the press: Jaret of "Jarets Window Cleaning" from Akron, Ohio maybe the youngest window cleaner going! At 11 years old, this star to be, looks like he could pave the way for other up & coming window cleaners with his great style. So good in fact that the kind guys at Window Cleaning Resource, Chris & Alex have decided to set him up with a camera & a host of tools with his own new show, just to show what an 11 year old can do. With his captivating style, energy & a little quirky humour thrown in, Jaret is a delight to watch. This Video can be watched in high resolution from tomorrow at the Window Cleaning Resources website.

Montreal Rescue + Window Cleaning News

Firefighters make daring rescue of stranded window washers: The Montreal fire department’s high-altitude team rescued two window washers who were injured when the swing stage they were on fell several floors at the SNC-Lavalin office tower on René Lévesque Blvd. near Bleury St. downtown about 1:04 p.m. Monday. Montreal fire operations chief Richard Laporte said the men were on the 21st floor of the 21-storey building when the apparatus fell. One of the men suffered a fractured tibia, while the other had back injuries. Firefighters lifted the men onto a stretcher, one at a time, and descended to the roof of a neighbouring building. They were then taken into the building, brought to the ground and taken to a hospital. The rescue took about two hours. René Lévesque Blvd. was closed into the night, and will be reopened when the dangling swing stage has been removed. Quebec’s workplace safety board is investigating the incident.

Don’t neglect gutters in fall cleaning (Window Cleaning Add-On): Clumps of rotting leaves, wasp nests and mosquitoes are just a few of the nasty things homeowners have to deal with when cleaning out their gutters — not to mention the hazards of climbing ladders and onto roofs to complete the task. Ignoring the gutters, however, will only lead to more, potentially expensive problems, according to Geoff Shaule, president of G & S Window Washing and Gutter Cleaning Inc. of Troy. “Cleaning out the gutters is essential, and it should be done a minimum of twice a year — late spring, after all the seeds and foliage have fallen, and late fall,” Shaule said. “If you live in a heavily treed area, you could possibly need a third cleaning either mid-spring or mid-fall, but every situation is different.”
On why homeowners should consider putting their ladders away and calling a professional, Shaule said he always quotes home improvement expert Glenn Haege. “Haege says, ‘The only safe way to clean your second-story gutters is to have someone else do it,’ and I tend to agree,” he said. “It’s dangerous and filthy-messy; it stinks and it’s no fun. We’re professionals — we have the right tools to reach all the gutters on any home, and we’ve cleaned over a million feet of gutters in the past 10 years.” Clogged gutters and downspouts don’t drain properly and can cause ice dams, which leads to leaky roofs, stained drywall and rotted wood. Blocked downspouts cause the water to accumulate on a home’s foundation, resulting in leaky basements and even leaks in the upper walls of a home. Water that pours over stuffed gutters from a heavy spring rain can damage flowers and foliage in beds beneath. “The damage can be pretty extensive and expensive,” Shaule said.
G & S conducts all estimates on-site and leaves the homeowner with a written estimate and a brochure containing services and insurance information. “We come out to see what the gutters look like and what kind of trees or plants might inhibit our access,” he said. Shaule also provides customers with a brochure containing a rundown of his services and liability insurance information — something he said all consumers should look for when hiring a professional for a hazardous job. “People who go around door to door in the spring and fall, they’re not insured, and if they fall off your roof and break their leg, you or your insurance company will be paying for them,” he said.
Sharon Chess, owner of Chess Roofing and Siding in Ferndale, said homeowners should make sure all gutters are properly secured against the home and pitched properly to ensure all water and debris flow from one end to the other and don’t settle in the middle. “If you don’t have seamless gutters, be sure all of the seams are caulked, so that they don’t leak,” she said. Shaule added the most common mistake people make when it comes to gutters is waiting until December to schedule a cleaning. “Some people don’t want to call us in early fall because they figure there’s still some leaves on the trees, but if you wait until after it freezes, those gutters might not thaw until March or April,” he said. “You’d rather have 90 percent of the leaves cleaned out before it freezes, and let the other 10 percent fall if they have to, because you take a real serious risk of ice dam problems and all that snow and rainwater not flowing to the ground properly.”

Window cleaner jailed for stealing from elderly: A female window cleaner who befriended elderly people to steal money from them has been sentenced to three years in prison. Valerie Newing, 47, who is currently on remand in prison, but who lived previously in Bell Road in Maidstone, pleaded guilty burglary and attempted burglary when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court. It was heard she distracted her clients by, for example, asking them to get her a glass of water before stealing money from their purses.
In one case, Newing targeted an 88 year old lady, befriending her and regularly visiting her home. She abused the trust she gained by stealing the woman's money and her handbag. As the offender became more desperate, it was heard she attempted to force her way into the house using hedgeloppers to break the chain on the front door. She was finally caught when the elderly lady was hospitalised and a neighbour spotted Newing trying to force her way in to the back window of the empty house. Newing left DNA on the rear window linking her to the scene of the crime.
PC Tracy Evans of the Tactical Crime Investigation Department at Maidstone said: “Newing’s despicable thefts preyed on the elderly and the vulnerable, seeking out easy targets to steal from. I am delighted with today’s result which will hopefully bring a sense of closure to the victims and their families in the knowledge that she is now behind bars.” After pleading guilty to burglary, Newing asked for a further two crimes to be taken into consideration admitting she had been to the 88 year old victims house to steal money on previous occasions.

Windex "all in one" slated again: It Sounds so Promising! Kathleen Stutler of Northern Kentucky hates scrubbing windows. So she loved the idea of Windex Outdoor All-in-One, after seeing ads for it on TV. It looks like a Swiffer for windows, with a pad at the end of a long wand, and promises to make cleaning easier, in just half the time. Kathleen says she read the instructions, and "it said just hook up the hose, and spray the window, which I did." Kathleen says she followed directions carefully. She wet down all the windows with her garden hose, then rubbed them with the special Windex pad on a stick, and finally rinsed it all off. No need to dry with towels. Where's the Spot-Free Shine?
But she tells me when the windows began to dry, the spot-free shine she had been expecting turned out to be anything but spot-free. Kathleen says "after they dried, they streaked and were filled with spots, water spots, that were very noticeable!" We checked with the manufacturer, SC Johnson, which directed us right to the FAQ'S' (Frequently Asked Questions) on its website. There it explained that if you have hard water, the result "is likely to be diminished" and may be unacceptable to you because hard water -- unwiped - will spot. It's similar to spraying your car with a garden hose and letting it dry. You'll find spots on the paint and windshield, unless you use a "spot free rinse" at the carwash (which takes out minerals).

BLACKPOOL has already been put on the window cleaning map after the world record for speed was broken in the town. And now the resort could have the cleanest windows in the North after it becomes the northern centre for the British window cleaning academy. Marton-based company "Excellent UK" has been named as the new northern arm of the British Window Cleaning Academy, which means window cleaners from across the North will be heading to the town to polish up their skills. The company was started by Marton man Sam Smith (pictured) in 2000. He said: "It's great news for the town we've got the training contract for the academy here. "We will be welcoming around 70 window cleaners a month, who will be staying in the resort and contributing to the local economy.
"There will be a wide range of day courses on offer from learning how to use the water fed poles we have instead of ladders, health and safety skills and even teaching them how to market themselves. "There's a lot more to window cleaning than meets the eye." The academy's northern centre was previously based in Newcastle with the headquarters in Swindon. The two centres serve the training needs of all the UK's 180,000 window cleaners.
Father-of-four Mr Smith started the business with a £3,000 Prince's Trust grant, which he used to buy his equipment. Now, Excel Ent UK employs 24 people and carries out a wide range of commercial and domestic cleaning services. Mr Smith added: "It's really nice to be able to bring something back into the community after the help I was given starting up my business. "Window cleaning is a great option for people who have been made redundant or are out of work because the set up costs aren't really that high. "With our courses, such as the marketing one, we can help people build up a really successful business."
Terry Burrows, the world's fastest window cleaner, smashed his own world record in Blackpool just over a week ago. He cleaned three large glass panes in a speedy 9.14 seconds. Terry, who is 54 and from Essex, was in the resort for the Federation of Window Cleaners annual conference and beat his existing 9.24 second time.

A pervert pensioner was caught accessing child pornography on a computer by an eagle-eyed window cleaner, a Court heard yesterday. John Wadsworth, who has had both legs amputated, was reported to the police and his flat raided. He pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to 17 offences of making and possessing indecent images of young boys. Wadsworth, 68, of Fell Lane, Keighley, had had no sexual experiences and lived a reclusive life, the court was told. He had bought a laptop computer shortly before he committed the offences. Prosecutor Paul Nicholson said the window cleaner spotted Wadsworth looking at child pornography on December 14, 2007, and immediately alerted the police.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week set: Reduce the risk from lead paint. Most homes built before 1978 contain leaded paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of your house, or other surfaces. Tiny pieces of peeling or chipping paint are dangerous if eaten. Lead paint in good condition is not usually a problem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and create dust. (For example, when you open a window, the painted surfaces rub against each other.) Make sure your child does not chew on anything covered with lead paint, such as painted window sills, cribs, or playpens. Until the new regulations take effect, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. All contractors should follow these three simple procedures: Contain the work area; minimize dust; and cleanup thoroughly.

The history of Chesham was encapsulated as the town's museum was officially launched. Among the special guests at the grand opening included George Bayliss, a Chelsea Pensioner, and former window cleaner from Chesham wearing the distinctive red uniform, whose story is featured in the museum. Mr Bayliss had been a keen supporter of the project and his family had contributed items for the displays. The public were given free entry to the museum, which came to fruition after an 18-month battle to raise the £20,000 needed.

The distraught family of missing Padiham man Jessie Shaw (83) have made a desperate plea for his safe return. "He suffers from Alzheimer's and we are worried about his health. Tonight will be his third night away from home so I would urge everybody to please be on the look-out for him. We are very grateful to the police and mountain rescue for all their efforts so far and have been keeping ourselves busy putting up his photo and knocking on doors appealing for help. "Dad is very well known in the local area and we have been overwhelmed by the level of support, we would just ask people to please be watchful and call police with any information, no matter how small." Police are asking for the public's help to trace Mr Shaw, from Ingham Street, who also suffers from heart problems. "He is a well-known character in the Padiham area, especially among licensees and he used to run a window cleaning business in the area. "I would appeal to anyone who thinks they have seen Jessie, in the area to contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or dial 999 in an emergency. Jessie is described as white with a pale complexion, 5ft. 7in. tall with short grey thinning hair. He was wearing a blue crewneck jumper with pinstripes down the front, beige trousers and shoes and a checked flat cap. He is often seen with his dog but his dog has been accounted for at his home.

A lady who lives in a modern home in South Bel-Air phoned a professional window washer and asked if he could come over and clean her windows. After she explained the nature of the job he said, "I'll have to send a man out for a consultation." "Consultation?" she asked. "What for?" "Well," he replied, "we have men who wash big windows and men who wash small windows." "You better send a man who has at least a Ph.D.," she said. "I've got 86 windows to clean, all sizes."

The Wagtail Whirlwind Tutorial

The Wagtail Whirlwind is a faster, combination wash & wipe that works simultaneously with a new aggressive micro-fibre pad. You can mop and squeegee in one, or alternate between modes in less than a second. Great for most cleaning applications especially windows, pole work and floors. The Wagtail Whirlwind includes rubber and clip-on pad & is very robust. Willie Wagtail demonstrates the "Wagtail Whirlwind" in the next video, showing you how to make the most of your Wagtail proving you can work up to 25% - 30% faster.

Chris Dawber from Newton Aycliffe in Durham aka "Wagga" on the UK window cleaning forums has made an art of adapting the Wagtail tools in a big way. Chris does about 80-90% of his round using a pole only. With these latest developments he says "anyone could learn the techniques fairly quickly." "It took me about 7yrs to perfect my technique but then along came the Flipper version and suddenly it made all the difference." See more of Chris's videos here, here & here. Below see Chris explaining his method, the different kind of Wagtails, using "dog-ears" to eliminate detailing & the DIY work needed.

This video by Willie shows off a demonstration of cleaning floors with the Wagtail. I've used this method a few times eliminating water left behind by using water fed poles on polished surfaces.

Available in the USA here.
Available in the UK here.

Window Cleaning News

Window washer rescued from outside skyscraper: DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO — A window washer stuck in a basket between the ninth and 10th floors of the Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego was lowered to safety yesterday afternoon with the help of firefighters. Jimmy Zapien, 27, was washing windows outside the skyscraper about 1:50 p.m. when the basket's cable became jammed in the pulley system, preventing the basket from moving up or down, said Maurice Luque, a spokesman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. A firefighter rappelled from the roof of the building to the basket and strapped the window washer into a harness. Zapien was then safely lowered. Zapien's co-workers from Southland Exterior Building Services, as well as hotel employees and passers-by, craned their necks to watch the rescue unfold. Applause broke out as soon as he touched ground. The ordeal lasted less than an hour.

Westlake Boys take top honours, NZ: An ingenious mathematics based computer game and a user-friendly magnetic window washer saw Westlake Boys High School take out the two top honours at the annual Smales Farm North Shore Regional Awards as part of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). The student companies, made up of year 12 and 13 students, were presented with awards at a ceremony at North Harbour Stadium last night in front of an audience of dignitaries, sponsors, mentors, parents and fellow students who participated in this year’s Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. Fellow Westlake student company ProDG won the Smales Farm North Shore YES Company of the Year Runner Up with their pragmatic magnetic window washer.

Have you seen stolen window cleaner's van? A window cleaner’s van was stolen from a driveway in Crowthorne overnight between Monday and Tuesday. The white, LA53 plate Ford Transit van has the words ‘Town and Country window cleaning services’ written on the side and was taken from the owner’s drive in New Wokingham Road sometime between 9pm on Monday and 8am the following morning. Anyone with information can call police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

MANAMA: The Labour Ministry launched an investigation into two worksite accidents yesterday that killed one worker and left another seriously injured, reports ANIQA HAIDER. Indian Pokkillatha Ali Sulaiman, 51, fell to his death from the second floor of a building in Isa Town. The accident took place at 10am when he was cleaning a window at the Traffic Directorate. Mr Su-laiman worked for a cleaning company and leaves behind wife and two children.

Dust haze blankets coast: The Coffs Coast again held its breath again yesterday as another dust haze blanketed much of the east coast. While it wasn't of the same magnitude as the dust storm a couple of weeks ago, paramedics again treated people for breathing difficulties and local air traffic was again affected. By mid morning, the visibility was reduced to 5000 metres adding to the difficulty of pilots and the tower at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport. “The dust that's blowing over from South Australia and western NSW is being lifted by strong winds caused by the combination of a cold front and a low pressure system moving across Bass Strait,” said Mr Crow.
“Here in Coffs Harbour, there's been a layer of dust sitting at about 2300 feet. The bureau has forecast the likelihood of further hazes or storms in coming weeks, but it's hoped the inland dust will finally be settled by rains forecast around Christmas. The dust is proving a boon for some at least. Local house-washers and automatic carwashes are predictably flat out - and then there are the window washers! “I just can't keep up,” said Bayden Hogan of Coffs Window Cleaning. “While the dust isn't as noticeable on vertical surfaces like windows, there's a fine film on the windows so when it rains it turns to mud. We are very, very busy.”

Dougherty County School System; The board also approved the recommendation from its Buildings & Grounds Committee to award the Administration Building pressure washing/window cleaning project to Albany's Akridge Interiors, the lowest qualified bidder at $22,000. Minority businesses Robie Thompson and Tandem Contracting turned in bids of $7,990 and $8,400, respectively. Akridge is a women-owned business. The board voted 5-2 for the bid. Board members Velvet Riggins of District 3 and Anita Williams-Brown, at-large, voted against it. "I would like to talk to the (Building & Grounds) Committee about the process in which these people were selected," Riggins said. "There's still people being eliminated, but we're pleased with what the (Building & Grounds) committee has done with including more minority businesses. But, there's still more work to be done." Maschke said the pressure washing/window cleaning project received seven bids, which he said, "was good participation on a small project." He said the large participation follows the Building & Grounds Committee directing school system staff to solicit proposals from local, small and minority firms.

Cleaning up on windows is just the start for Everest chief: At 1,732ft above sea level, it is the UK’s highest pub. But the cosy hostelry is well-known for another reason. It was the setting of a memorable television ad in the 1980s for the Everest double glazing firm. In the ad Ted Moult, the farmer-cum-TV personality, dropped a feather in front of a window and watched the feather fall vertically onto the sill. “Fit the best. Everest,” said Moult. It was one of those ad slogans that stuck in the public’s consciousness. Although Moult shot himself in 1986 after a period of depression, the ad lives on. Everest recently remade the promo with TV presenter Craig Doyle in the Moult role. As well showing the double-glazing, the ad revealed that the pub’s roof was fitted with solar panels.
It is a neat snapshot of where Everest is today; solar panels are a growing part of Everest’s business as consumers look to “green up” their lifestyles. Simon Jarman, Everest’s managing director, believes that there is a “big opportunity” in energy efficiency as some 20pc of a house’s heat is lost through its windows. And he says that the TV ads still resonate. “There is not one person who doesn’t remember that ad campaign. Most companies would do anything to have that brand awareness,” he says. Business is going well, despite the downturn. The doors and windows market fell by 12pc last year and is down 14pc this year. Everest’s sales of doors and windows, however, have grown by 13pc this year. Overall it is seeing 2.5pc sales growth. This is due to what Mr Jarman describes as a “flight to brand”. Everest pitches itself at the top of the market, which has attracted customers. Everest’s average customer is 55 years old. Eighty per cent of its clientele do not have a mortgage. Most are in the A and B demographics. “We don’t compete on price and we haven’t reduced our prices at all. Our customers are savers rather than borrowers, which has made them more resilient in a downturn,” he says.

A company that has revolutionised the window business with it’s custom designed safety windows has just scooped an international award. Britplas, based on Winstanley Industrial Estate off Long Lane, Orford, clinched the top award for Product Design for Healthcare at the Design & Health International Academy Awards. The business won the accolade for it’s Safevent windows, which have taken to the medical industry by storm with safety features that has seen it fitted in secure units across the country. The judges praised the company’s design saying: “The Safevent window allows patients and staff to fully open a window in complete safety with no restrictions, permitting maximum natural ventilation. Due to its unique design, it has no locks or hinges and has self-cleaning glass. Its installation in over one hundred acute locations is testimony to its operational success.” The window has a fine mesh over the openable side that allows the window to be open and let in air, but nothing else can get through. It also offers extra safety as they are designed to be anti ligature fittings. Already it has become a massive success and the windows have been installed at hospitals across the country.

Class under glass help Blue Peter star: Sunderland students are on a high after using their singing skills to help Blue Peter presenter Joel Defries through a hard day's work. The popular BBC kids' show's latest presenter had his work cut out when he stopped off in the region to film part of the TV programme. And pupils from Highfield Community Primary School, Ford, Sunderland, were on hand to help him get through his gruelling day. A team of abseilers responsible for cleaning The Sage Gateshead, IS-IS Property Service, had set Joel the task of helping them get the iconic regional landmark spotless. Joel was given extensive training to learn how to abseil, and how to clean windows, before being put to test on the roof alongside the experienced team. And to help him with his work, a team of youngsters from the school sang George Formby's When I'm Cleaning Windows as they waved him on from the building's concourse. When he got back down to earth, Joel said: "I knew it sounded good but The Sage Gateshead has never looked so good." Anthony Wintle, an experienced abseiling window cleaner from IS-IS, added: "I think my job's safe – for now."

Providing insights into strengthening your business: In celebration of Small Business Week, Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Business and Professional Women’s Network, will present Together We Are Stronger – Insights and Ideas to Strengthen Your Business. The evening will kick-off with networking and an opportunity to learn more about the BPWN and the Chamber of Commerce. During dinner, Brent Hohlweg, co-founder and CEO of Men in Kilts, North America’s premier window and gutter cleaning company, will share his insights about the growth, success and unique marketing twist of his business. Over dessert and coffee, a panel of local entrepreneurs will discuss their business experiences and address questions from the floor.
Men in Kilts, with head offices based in Richmond, B. C. provides an industry first guaranteed five minute eco-friendly green estimate to more than 4,000 clients across the entire Lower Mainland. Hohlweg’s business partner and Men in Kilts president, Nic Brand, started Men in Kilts in 2002 with just $500 and a ladder strapped to the top of a rusty old Honda. Since then Hohlweg and Brand have taken the company from idea and sole proprietorship to an outstanding commercial success. Sales have doubled every year since incorporation and in 2009, Men in Kilts will surpass the one million mark. The corporation has been built with a long-term vision to franchising across North America. Hohlweg’s professional background includes many years in management with a Fortune 500 retail company and number of small start ups. Most recently Hohlweg was awarded the 2008 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Police warn of window washer scammer making rounds: Don’t open your doors to strangers, warn Saanich police, as a man claiming to be a window washer has scammed a number of seniors out of money. Police know of at least five incidents around Greater Victoria – including Saanich, Central Saanich, and Oak Bay – since September, where a man calling himself John and claiming to be from a window washing company says he is in need of assistance. The man has told his victims that he’s at the building – most often apartment buildings for seniors – to wash windows and that his van broke down nearby. He asks residents for money to get his vehicle fixed. Most often he requests $20 or $40, but has also asked for $200.
The latest incident happened on Oct. 10 when the suspect entered a building in the 500 block of Marsett Place claiming to be in distress because his vehicle broke down. In this case, he showed his driver’s licence to the victim, presumably to prove his legitimacy. “I don’t know if it was fake or not,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “My guess is that it was his actual driver’s licence, but (the victim) couldn’t recall the name on it.” The man also entered a business in the 4000 block of Quadra St. on Oct. 5 with the same story, asking for $80 to fix his vehicle. The man was very forceful and wouldn’t leave, so staff called police. He was gone before police arrived and some money was given to him before he left.
“This person is being allowed into (apartment) buildings, which means he’s being buzzed in ... Don’t let anybody into the building that you don’t know,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “If you’ve got this individual asking for money, if your suspicions are raised, don’t hand over your money to anybody. Don’t give them money if you don’t know them. And if you do find yourself giving money to somebody and they leave, and you’re thinking, ‘Why did I do that?’ call police. Anything suspicious like that, report it to police right away.” The suspect involved is described as a caucasian man between 35 and 45 years of age. He is between 5’8” and 5’10” tall, 160 to 180 pounds. He has short dark brown hair. Police are asking anyone with information on this man to give call 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

'Chilling' threats to get cash: A man who loaned his life savings to a friend who was later jailed for drug dealing made chilling threats to try to get the cash back. Antony Weegram gave £12,500 to friend Antony O'Connor to set up a window cleaning business. But he harassed O'Connor's mother Debra Dunn on several occasions after he was jailed for five years last year. Teesside Crown Court heard how Weegram, 25, inferred to her that O'Connor could be attacked in prison if they did not come up with the money. Weegram received a suspended prison sentence yesterday after admitting harassment. But he denied threatening violence. The court heard Weegram first approached Mrs Dunn in the street on January 4 and went with her to her daughter's house where they were expecting a call from O'Connor. But he left before the phone call after things got heated and Weegram said: "I'm not waiting five years to get the money back." On January 19, he contacted her again through a third party who warned the debt could rise to £16,000. Mrs Dunn then called Weegram to try and sort things out, but felt harassed again after another heated conversation. Sam Andrews, prosecuting, said: "The first time she met him he made her believe her son might come to harm in prison. "She was clearly harassed throughout this period and frightened by his behaviour." There was no suggestion the loan was used or intended for drugs. Paul Cleasby, mitigating for Weegram, who was of previous good character, said: "He is sorry for the upset that he has caused Mrs Dunn." Weegram, a welding inspector of Belmont Gardens, was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years. Judge Peter Fox said: "That to a mother obviously already in distress at her son's offending and sentence, it must have come as an additional burden to bear and it was a chilling thing for her to hear."

Finally: Tony Evans of "A New View window cleaning" gives us another episode in the weather or not summer edition..

Final Federation of Window Cleaner Videos

The final two videos from the Federation of Window Cleaners Show..

Pure Freedom® has quickly grown to become one of the most recognised and trusted names for quality water fed pole window cleaning equipment. Pure Freedom® are the manufacturers of the Freedom Trolley and Pure Freedom Systems and carry out all their work in-house without the need to use outside contractors, which gives them the ability to provide a very high quality of customer care. If your requirements differ from the stocked units they can alter/add equipment to suit your needs from the very start of the manufacturing process. Pure Freedom are proud to now offer their new Isothermal 1 & 2 Hot Water Fed Pole Systems for 1 and 2 operators respectively.

Bayersan Ltd. specializes in manufacturing window cleaning equipment and accessories for the sanitary supply industry. Squeegees and Telescopic Poles are their primary business, not just a sideline. The company offers floor and window squeegees (swivel and stainless steel squeegees ), scrapers, blades, telescopic (extension) poles & handles, floor pads, mop & mop holders, T-holders (plastic and aluminium) and sleeves. Bayersan Ltd. offers top quality products, service, return policy, distribution and wholesaling programs. Shown in the video - their new line of water fed poles.

Contico Manufacturing: Whatever your cleaning, janitorial, spraying or hygiene requirements, Contico has the answer. From mopping systems to dust control, trigger sprayers to pump dispensers, washroom to window cleaning, Contico supply high quality products, utilising the very latest designs, innovations and technology to ensure that when you order from Contico, you will receive the very best products that money can buy. Contico provide a wide range of products that are designed and manufactured to withstand the rigours of everyday intensive commercial cleaning and are supported by their quality management system which complies with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2000. All their products are approved under BS5750.

Polished Insurance can offer quotes for all types of contract cleaning companies who need public liability insurance or public & employers liability insurance cover including;

• Loss of Customers' Keys
• Damage to property being worked upon
• Treatment Risks
• Temporary removal of customers' goods
• Misuse of customers' telephones
• Failure to secure customers' premises

Offering liability insurance quotes to all types of contract cleaners, from self employed cleaners to contract cleaners with employees or sub contractors. Allied Insurance understand the cleaning industry and can offer advice and expertise to make sure you get the insurance cover you need. They provide an online guide to the different types of liability insurance for cleaning contractors, you may not realise but most policies covering liability insurance for cleaners don't provide the covers mentioned.

CTE - a towering presence for over 25 years: Founded in 1981, CTE immediately sets up its vocation in the production and sale of material removal lifts and ladders in particular. Efficient services, innovative technical solutions, prompt after-sales service, professional consulting and training: all that sums their motto up, "Work Becomes Easy." Theirs is an approach, a business ethos that revolves around customers, their safety and quality. Meaning our customers’ quality of life. That’s why CTE, a group united by ideas, motivation and passion, strives to make work easier for companies operating in the field of lifting materials and people. CTE sells Truck-mounted articulated platforms, Truck-mounted telescopic platforms, Track mounted access platforms, Fire fighting platforms, Material removal lifts, Stair climbers, UNI-TEC scaffolds, Modular material lifts & also a range of Second-hand machines.

Ettore UK: Such a simple invention yet, the great ones invariably are. A blade of rubber, a handle perfectly angled for it's purpose, a patent followed and professional window cleaning was changed forever. The Year was 1936, the man Ettore Steccone. Often imitated, never duplicated, his original squeegee design has remained essentially unchanged since its inception. His secret was, and is, in the rubber for this is the essential heart of the system. A razor sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free. Indeed, every Ettore product is 100% guaranteed to deliver nothing less than flawless performance. Ettore Steccone's pioneering spirit has assured Ettore's position as the undisputed industry leader. Today the company provides every conceivable tool and convenience to make window cleaning more fun, efficient and effective.

The HSE - "Our job is to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities." HSE is working in close partnership with industry to ensure that anyone who needs to use a ladder , uses the right equipment for the job and uses it safely. To further promote HSE’s award winning Shattered Lives Campaign it launched the Ladder Exchange Initiative on 1st September 2009 intended to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from falls from height.
Despite a sustained long term reduction, falls from height remains the most common type of fatal injury. In 2007/08, a total of 58 workers died and over 3600 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Many of these incidents could be avoided by using the right equipment and taking simple precautions. The focus of this four month initiative gives people the opportunity to get rid of old, damaged and broken ladders by trading them in for a new one. Over 5’500 ladders have already been exchanged under this initiative since it first launched in 2007 and they intend to build on this success.



Window Cleaner Pro: Ian & Brad help you run Your Window Cleaning Business With Ease! If you own a window cleaning business and are tired of the day to day administration, trying to figure out what work is due, which customers have not paid or preparing your accounts then this software is for you. Designed by window cleaners for window cleaners, WCP offers you a state of the art software package that is easy to use and doesn't require a degree in computing to use. Let the software do all the admin work so you can concentrate on growing your business and spend more time doing the things you want. Once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever did without it. Keep your work up to date in real time on your Windows Mobile PDA.

Facelift Cleaning: Water Fed Poles For All Types Of Work. Whether you are a domestic window cleaner looking to reduce your round time or a commercial cleaner who needs to reach several floors above ground level, our complete range of poles covers every eventuality. Pole choice is split into 4 sections:

• Glass Fibre Poles – Low cost, reach up to 33ft, ideal for domestic cleaning.
• Fusion Poles – Retain low cost but rigid at greater heights due to majority carbon mix, up to 38ft reach, ideal for domestic cleaning or smaller commercial work.
• Carbon Fibre Poles – The mainstay of the commercial window cleaner, carbon poles are rigid and light, our poles will withstand the day to day wear and tear of commercial work. Available up to 58ft reach.
• FaceliftONE Poles – These are high modulus carbon fibre poles, 30% more rigid than standard carbon fibre, and as a result able to reach higher whilst still maintaining the same rigidity. These are designed for commercial cleaners who want to avoid the cost of cherry pickers or rope access. Available up to 72ft reach.

IPAF: The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. Set up in 1983, IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that represents the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies. It serves as a forum for all active in the world of powered access. IPAF has played a key role in promoting many of the design, safety and testing procedures that are now established in the powered access industry.
The IPAF training programme for platform operators is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878. More than 70,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 300 training centres. Training in the US is managed by IPAF’s North American subsidiary, AWPT Inc. Training generally lasts one to two days and is a mixture of theory and practice.
Those who successfully complete IPAF training are awarded the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), the most widely held and recognised proof of training for platform operators. The PAL Card is valid for five years and shows the machine categories that the operator has been trained in. It also features the holder’s photo and signature, and can be verified by calling IPAF.

SYR (Scot Young Research Ltd): Provide manual equipment for the cleaning industry. Always looking for improvement & innovation, SYR have won several awards for their equipment including the queens award for innovation. Whatever your cleaning, janitorial, spraying or hygiene requirements, Scot Young Research are the answer.

Although Simpole weren't on show at the federation of window cleaners event - Jeff Brimble decided to bring one along for the main purpose of running over it in the car park with his van. Thanks Jeff. Simpole claim the strongest water fed carbon fiber pole on the market! Don't try this at home!

The FWC was formed in 1947 to establish an authoritative organization specifically concerned with the Window Cleaning Industry and its subsidiary services. In almost any business or industry, a collective body of professionals will virtually always be more powerful than an individual person or company. This is especially true when the body is recognised by the government as an authority on the industry. Such organisations can do many things such as influencing regulations, advancing the interests of members, creating new operating methods to enhance profit and safety and other activities. An industry body provides credibility, expertise, influence and access. The window cleaning industry is no exception. FWC has been the professional Employers Trade Association for window cleaners for over 60 years! The Federation of Window Cleaners supports these aspects:

• To Provide information on all aspects of the Trade.
• Increase public awareness of the need for high standards of safety.
• Represent the Industry with government and municipal bodies.
• To support Members with FREE 24 hour legal advice
• To encourage members in attaining Health & Safety Training & Education
• To Promote the protection of the customer against Fraud & Misrepresentation.

Brodex Systems at the FWC Show + Squeegee World Record Champions

Both Guinness World Speed Squeegee cleaning records were broken at the Federation of Window Cleaners trade show in Blackpool, UK last week. Here is some footage I managed to obtain, personal & from the second from the internet. Enjoy...

Brodex - Helping To Build Your Pure Water Cleaning Business. Brodex have been designing & manufacturing pure water cleaning systems and water fed poles since 1998. Hundreds of professional window cleaners across the world rely on Brodex quality & innovation to build their successful pure water window cleaning businesses. Whether you are a window cleaner, cleaning large commercial building or a small company with small commercial or domestic customers brodex can supply all your water fed pole system needs. Brodex build systems from 50 litres to 2000litre and telescopic water fed poles from 6ft to 60ft for your complete ladder-less window cleaning business needs.



“You're Brodex's best sales person” Brodex have built their business on word of mouth promotion. With 100’s of satisfied customers who willingly “Spread the word about the virtues of brodex and their products”. But they realise that many of their customers are very busy and don’t get the time to make that extra bit of effort to tell their friends about Brodex so… they thought they would encourage you with a little incentive scheme.
Brodex say "You deserve a reward for getting us new business as you have saved us the costs of advertising so we would like to offer you a jaw dropping £100 if you can “refer us to a fellow window cleaner who then goes on to buy a brodex pure water fed pole cleaning system. Yes that £100 justs for Talking!"

Ionics Systems at the Federation of Window Cleaners Show

Just over 12 years ago, Ionic systems Ltd launched the revolutionary system Reach & Wash ® in 1997. Since then, the Ionics system range has become a global brand, and the industry standard for window cleaners worldwide. Ionic global systems, exports to 18 countries. When a customer invests in a system, they are not just purchasing a piece of equipment, they are accessing a global network of support which is built on reputation, quality & safety and an approach of "no-compromise". Ionic systems believe in safety testing in accordance with an internationally recognized standard. Today, Ionic systems continue to support events and exhibitions in the window cleaning industry including the federation of window cleaners show in Blackpool - not just in Britain but in Europe, USA and beyond. Currently they are touring the UK with the Reach & Wash roadshows. Below are just some of their recent videos from the products seen at the FWC show.