Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Suffolkcleaners on February 13, 2014, 12:31:33 am

Title: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: Suffolkcleaners on February 13, 2014, 12:31:33 am
I was just looking at the 'federation of window cleaners' scheme and was wondering if anyone was part of it? I have never thought of joining one before but it gives you the stamp and safety recognition for your business etc....

I noticed you have to pass a cetain risk assessment/health and safety etc..... As a trad sole trader would this be hard to pass? What would it involve? Would it just be a inspector coming along to see if ladders are safe etc or is it a lot more complex than this?

Bottom line is it worth joining this? :)
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: Marc Stock on February 13, 2014, 01:17:51 am
naah not worth it in my opinion. Only one worth joining is FSB
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: PoleKing on February 13, 2014, 07:04:20 am
What's the one Ionics own?
Says it all really about these accreditation schemes.
They're just to make money for the owners. Do very little for the member.
That said, if you've got the sticker on your van/paperwork and just one customer takes you on because of it-it may pay for itself.
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: cgh window cleaning on February 13, 2014, 07:40:37 am
I am a member of the federation of window cleaners.
I can't see that it will gain you any work if you are domestic only but could possibly help with commercial.
One of my reasons for joining was you get discount on iosh health and safety courses which I am looking at doing.
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: dazmond on February 13, 2014, 08:38:53 am
im a member of the cool window cleaners of the north west but you need an extreme pole for membership! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: Harry Roberts on February 13, 2014, 09:42:14 am
Safe Contractor.
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: Suffolkcleaners on February 13, 2014, 10:47:14 am
cgh.... I emailed the 'fwc' and they said you can just join without a health or safety assessment but they advise doing a course within 12 months...... Do you think from a point of view of a commercial client seeing your advert on yell for example with this logo would help? I know domestics it prob won't make a difference. I also read to ever be considered for tenders or alike they wouldn't even consider using a company if they weren't a member of a body alike.....

But then as a sole trader is it worth it? I do want to put myself in with a chance of picking up the odd decent commercial job but don't know if this would help  :)
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: Harry Roberts on February 13, 2014, 11:15:50 am
cgh.... I emailed the 'fwc' and they said you can just join without a health or safety assessment but they advise doing a course within 12 months...... Do you think from a point of view of a commercial client seeing your advert on yell for example with this logo would help? I know domestics it prob won't make a difference. I also read to ever be considered for tenders or alike they wouldn't even consider using a company if they weren't a member of a body alike.....

But then as a sole trader is it worth it? I do want to put myself in with a chance of picking up the odd decent commercial job but don't know if this would help  :)


I clean lots of hotels and they really want you to be up to speed on H and S.
Just the way it is.
Safe Contractor is very well thought of by hotel GM's
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: dannymack on February 13, 2014, 11:28:52 am
Safe Contractor same as Harry..
I had to get H&S for se of my Commercial clients wanted it, but would have it anyway
Ill explain if I was to go quote a job and joe blogs was too I send on all my insurance, method statement, risk assessment, Scotland disclosure and O yes my Safe Contractor H&S Certificate of think if have more chance in getting the job !!!!

Or the other hand if I o ly did residential then prob would bother applying for it 👳👳👳👍
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: cgh window cleaning on February 13, 2014, 01:06:03 pm
cgh.... I emailed the 'fwc' and they said you can just join without a health or safety assessment but they advise doing a course within 12 months...... Do you think from a point of view of a commercial client seeing your advert on yell for example with this logo would help? I know domestics it prob won't make a difference. I also read to ever be considered for tenders or alike they wouldn't even consider using a company if they weren't a member of a body alike.....

But then as a sole trader is it worth it? I do want to put myself in with a chance of picking up the odd decent commercial job but don't know if this would help  :)

You can join FWC with out hav'ing any health and safety assessment you just need up to date insurance.
They recommend you take a course in 12months and buy being a member you get discount on there iosh courses.
I don't think just by having there logo next to yours will win you work ,but it can help.
Last year a hotel in bath was fined £11k for breach of health and safety and a lot of companys heard about this and it made them take note.some commercial work will never ask for any h&s or insurance while others will be very strict.
I have just priced a residential care home after my quote was accepted I had to fill out a 12 page h&s assessment 2 of the questions asked are you a member of any origination/federation?and what h&s course have you attended?by being a member it may help me win jobs.
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: PoleKing on February 13, 2014, 02:02:34 pm
cgh.... I emailed the 'fwc' and they said you can just join without a health or safety assessment but they advise doing a course within 12 months...... Do you think from a point of view of a commercial client seeing your advert on yell for example with this logo would help? I know domestics it prob won't make a difference. I also read to ever be considered for tenders or alike they wouldn't even consider using a company if they weren't a member of a body alike.....

But then as a sole trader is it worth it? I do want to put myself in with a chance of picking up the odd decent commercial job but don't know if this would help  :)

You can join FWC with out hav'ing any health and safety assessment you just need up to date insurance.
They recommend you take a course in 12months and buy being a member you get discount on there iosh courses.
I don't think just by having there logo next to yours will win you work ,but it can help.
Last year a hotel in bath was fined £11k for breach of health and safety and a lot of companys heard about this and it made them take note.some commercial work will never ask for any h&s or insurance while others will be very strict.
I have just priced a residential care home after my quote was accepted I had to fill out a 12 page h&s assessment 2 of the questions asked are you a member of any origination/federation?and what h&s course have you attended?by being a member it may help me win jobs.

Funny how some places ask and some don't.
I've just picked up my biggest job ever. Halfway through now but waiting for the wind to drop to finish.
They never asked me for anything.
Other jobs, worth a quarter-H&S nightmares!
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 13, 2014, 02:09:17 pm
http://mgwc.org/wp/

What about the guild? Run by Nat Jones.
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: dave f on February 13, 2014, 03:16:23 pm
phb affiliated
Title: Re: Anyone a member of any federations?
Post by: dazmond on February 13, 2014, 05:07:57 pm
most of my work is residential but i have picked up some decent commercial jobs over the years through word of mouth and recommendation.

they ve never asked me for anything.i do medium sized offices,housing association flats,care homes,holiday park receptions,childrens nurseries,financial consultants etc.