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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:06:53 pm

Title: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:06:53 pm
As you know it was the FWC show last Friday, although it was quite successful with the amount of people through the door, I thought there would be a lot more people from the forums attending.

What stoppd you from going ?

Was it the location ?

Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?

Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?

Thanks

Dave
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Alistair@AWC on October 12, 2009, 03:12:40 pm
Hi Dave,

I'm based in Warrington but originally from Walkden and would have loved to go but it coincided with staff holidays and a good Government contract that was to good to turn down (mega behind now).

I'm disappointed mostly because I would have loved to have had a chat with the boys from WCP and you!

But nothing is going to stop me going to Windex
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sean Dyer on October 12, 2009, 03:15:19 pm
I meant to say hi to dave as well seen him pottering about the speed comp and in the why train seminar(I came in late with my missus)

next time :)
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:16:29 pm
I am from Walkden too lived near the Vulcan for 5 years.

Small world
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:17:54 pm
I meant to say hi to dave as well seen him pottering about the speed comp and in the why train seminar(I came in late with my missus)

next time :)

I saw you come in but cant remember what you looked like one bit
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 12, 2009, 03:21:56 pm
I had to re-schedule a plastics job for Friday, plus my van had the signwriting re-booked for Friday.
Disappointed that I couldn't go.




Matt
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: drwindows on October 12, 2009, 03:23:28 pm
I didnt go because I am generally unimpressed with the FWC and didnt see the point in travelling all the way up to the cold north for a small show.  Also, I have kind of got the impression that the FWC is a northern thing.

From what I've heard, the main feature of the show is the window cleaning competition, which i suppose is a bit of fun etc, but certainly not worth travelling or taking time out from work to see.

I have seen the FWC stuff before at the cleaning show, and i thought it was unprofesional and smalltime.  I expected the show to be the same.

Why, for example, have the show in the north?  Most people in england live in the south!
That makes me think that the FWC is a northern thing.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: cozy on October 12, 2009, 03:28:36 pm
Distance and work rate. I envy you lot over there. People living/working in same areas. We have things like that over here only once a year. Normaly in Berlin and that's about 5 hours driving. Good to go though. If we are in UK at any time one of these shows is on, then we would deff be there.

Wouldn't pay anyone elses bar tab though  :P
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on October 12, 2009, 03:31:12 pm
I thought the FWC show was a members only thing.

Where and when is windex ?
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 12, 2009, 03:32:25 pm
NEC and its next March.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Glyn H on October 12, 2009, 03:35:22 pm
Windex is at the Ricoh Centre, Coventry
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:40:55 pm
drwindows the competition is just a small add on.

All the manufacturers were there, Ionics, Brodex, pure freedom , facelift, window cleaner pro plus many more big names, what more could you want.

As well as that there was 3 seminars held in the day, plus a chance to socialise and network with other window cleaners.

I travelled an 8 hour round trip to be there, one guy even flew over from Spain.

You dont have to be a member, they just host the event on behalf of the industry.

Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 12, 2009, 03:41:10 pm
I was told it was at the NEC next year.





Matt
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Alistair@AWC on October 12, 2009, 03:41:36 pm
I am from Walkden too lived near the Vulcan for 5 years.

Small world

Lol, we spoke about this a couple of years ago - I think it started off because I was surprised you knew of Moxhams being from St Ives. Thats part of the reason it would have been interesting to meet up with you, if your going to Windex I've got a pint with your name on it!
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 03:42:23 pm
I will be there

Wouldnt miss it for the world
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: clean on October 12, 2009, 03:51:06 pm
In my opinion,if you are looking to purchase new equipment especially if you are spending a fare bit and want to have an hands on look at what you want to buy then it`s a good thing to go for but apart from that what else is there to go for ?
PK
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 12, 2009, 03:51:33 pm
I will be there

Wouldnt miss it for the world


The pint or the show?  ;D ;D
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: wfp master on October 12, 2009, 03:59:48 pm
I had to re-schedule a plastics job for Friday, plus my van had the signwriting re-booked for Friday.
Disappointed that I couldn't go.
were u getting plastic surgery on friday u look a bit young for that nip & tuck was it.


Matt
                                                                                                                       
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: pingu on October 12, 2009, 04:05:23 pm
Same as Cozy really...but in addition to that I used to attend many trade shows per year in a former life and I found that unless I really needed 'hands on' they were just a good place to collect stress balls, pens, keyrings and loads of advertising bumpf.

If it were here in Holland I might be tempted to attend but again same as Cozy...distance is a biggy.

Cheers
Dave.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on October 12, 2009, 04:10:13 pm
I had to re-schedule a plastics job for Friday, plus my van had the signwriting re-booked for Friday.
Disappointed that I couldn't go.
were u getting plastic surgery on friday u look a bit young for that nip & tuck was it.


Matt
                                                                                                                       


 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: CBCS on October 12, 2009, 04:19:13 pm
Swine Flu stopped me from going!
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Ian Lancaster on October 12, 2009, 04:20:04 pm
First one I've missed for many years, but unfortunately this time it coincided with too many pre-arranged events.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Windex
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: wfp master on October 12, 2009, 04:21:01 pm
to far away for me in scotland they should take it around a different part of the country each year.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Pittmonkey on October 12, 2009, 04:32:49 pm
Couldn't make it this year. Think it was on a Saturday last year.

Might have popped up the motorway if I had time but the job I was on over ran. Not in the market for buying anything at the moment but probably would have made an extra effort if I was. Saw most at The NEC. Doubt I will be going to Windex.

The main reason though was that I heard Archer was going and I see enough of him during the week :P

Wayne
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: GWCS on October 12, 2009, 04:35:35 pm
What stoppd you from going ?

Already working, dont want to miss out on money and have to work harder on another day with reducing daylight to make up.

Was it the location ?

Pretty much yes - live in the south, didn;t want to spend all that time travelling and costs of fuel, lunch, maybe a hotel room for something that may not have been any use to my business.


Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?


These shows seem to be more for the larger companies who have employees doing the work rather than the ST who needs to earn a living.

Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?

Yes - perhaps they should do a road show travelling the country North, south, east & west.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: elite mike on October 12, 2009, 05:34:17 pm
on holiday ;D
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Gordon Saunders on October 12, 2009, 05:57:35 pm
I didnt go because it was
 A - too far away
 B - On a work Day
 C - Seems to be pretty much the same every year anyway

 So i went to work instead
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Window Washers on October 12, 2009, 07:13:24 pm
Could not go as I had to get keys for new unit, was a little annoyed as I was meant to meet someone there and had to cancel.

In a way I am glad I didnt go as the drive up there is one of the worse in the uk, I used to live in lancaster and travel down to the isle of wight very often and it bored me to tears...m6 as soon as you get on it clouds apprear  ;D

Defo think the fed should look at making there show down south( or should that be Our show) or at least central.. maybe Bedford  ;D Can't see it happening though as this has been said time and time again  :'(
if they do come down south I may join. Makes no difference to my company at all. I am not a closed book on this just cant see the point right now, I am thinking maybe new blood is needed somewhere in the fed as we are not all over 50  ;D

Ian
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: macmac on October 12, 2009, 07:15:18 pm
A few reasons for me, & I'm only being honest.

With all the big companys having websites & phones anyway I'm not missing too much I can't get anyway.

Get better, more honest info & real-life reviews on here.

Terry Burrows only pops up on here to either brag about himself or remind us where he's gonna be showing off next & doesn't seem to help anyone in any other way.

I would imagine it's full of ego-maniacs (sad really)

Going by some suppliers information & products, I know more than them anyway!

Can't actually think how I personally would benefit from it? Maybe I would somehow, maybe I might in the future who knows.

Just being honest. ;)
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: martinsadie on October 12, 2009, 07:16:00 pm
no intrest what so ever
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sean Dyer on October 12, 2009, 07:20:29 pm
I managed to get friendly with some people who will be beneficial in the future, i reckon fed show is useless if you are just sole trading and dont want to exand in commercial or staff...or looking for a system

I found it great ive never been before and felt same as everyone else (im not a fed member yet)

But i enjoyed networking with the bigger guys there, making friends with suppliers and key industry names

And had a good day, got some ideas and a day off and meet some faces new and old

All in all a good day


Would i have travelled further than blackpool probably not :) IM only 40 mins away
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: windolene on October 12, 2009, 07:31:04 pm
Hi,

To far to travel main reason.  If it was London I would pop along just to see Window cleaning goods in the real  eye. I am a loner so would not want to network with other window cleaners.


Kevin WINDOLENE.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: John Walker on October 12, 2009, 07:45:11 pm
Too far for me (East Kent based).  Would have enjoyed meeting up and talking window cleaning and life in general though.

Coventry a bit nearer but Windex at Expo, London was perfect for me.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: matt on October 12, 2009, 07:50:31 pm
What stopped you from going ?

it was organized by the fed, who in the past have at times acted in a way that i didnt think was acceptable


Was it the location ?

see above

Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?


see above


Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?


see above

i guess you are getting involved with the fed now dave, things might have changed, i know that some1 on here had high hopes he could change things with the fed, did he succeed ?? ? as i thought he gave up in the end



 
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: macmac on October 12, 2009, 07:52:04 pm
What stopped you from going ?

it was organized by the fed, who in the past have at times acted in a way that i didnt think was acceptable


Was it the location ?

see above

Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?


see above


Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?


see above

i guess you are getting involved with the fed now dave, things might have changed, i know that some1 on here had high hopes he could change things with the fed, did he succeed ?? ? as i thought he gave up in the end



 

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: chris@c.m.s on October 12, 2009, 07:52:18 pm
I wanted to go but unfortunately couldn't justify taking time off and travel expenses this time round hopefully will next time though, I really like to look at the shows as something to fit in during a mini break/ holiday, as we did in Birmingham but if it wasn't for meeting up with guys on here for a few drinks then I definitely wouldn't bother.        
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Sean Dyer on October 12, 2009, 07:53:10 pm
What stopped you from going ?

it was organized by the fed, who in the past have at times acted in a way that i didnt think was acceptable


Was it the location ?

see above

Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?


see above


Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?


see above

i guess you are getting involved with the fed now dave, things might have changed, i know that some1 on here had high hopes he could change things with the fed, did he succeed ?? ? as i thought he gave up in the end



 

whats the big issue with the fed?
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Clive McDonald on October 12, 2009, 07:54:19 pm
I'm quite a misery and never do anything like this, but am a bit jealous of those who did. It was a bit far, but i've never been to ricoh either which isn't.Might be interesting to show some of the big boys how my electric reel works.

As for meeting up i expect most of ciu would avoid me :-X and it'd be one of those times when you wish you'd been nicer to people.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Window Washers on October 12, 2009, 07:59:44 pm
I'm quite a misery and never do anything like this, but am a bit jealous of those who did. It was a bit far, but i've never been to ricoh either which isn't.Might be interesting to show some of the big boys how my electric reel works.

As for meeting up i expect most of ciu would avoid me :-X and it'd be one of those times when you wish you'd been nicer to people.
I would be intersted to see it Clive as would a few others
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Neil Williams on October 12, 2009, 08:28:36 pm
Unless you're in the market place to buy and try and get a deal on 15 poles, 3 RO units and possibly a couple of all singing dancing vehicles, then Windex can be seen in it's entirety in 4 hours.
So when the Fed have a go at running a mini windex you just know that's going to be an expensive waste of 2 days of your life unless you live within an hour or two.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 09:41:43 pm
Matt

Not at all, makes no difference to me what the FWC do, I am not involved with the FWC one bit. I just wouldnt like to lose an event like they put on, I think as an industry we need things like this.
I see these shows as the highlighs of my business year and really love going to them, you just cant beat a night in the bar with the likes of Karl Robinson, Ian Lancaster, Lewis Doubtfire, Terry and his mate ( Tells amazing window cleaning storeys) Peter Fogwell and whoever else might be there.

Past good nights have been spent with Tosh, Ian Giles, Shiner, Wavey Davey, Andy Cheney to mention a few.

If you don't enjoy yourself at these shows, what can I say.

I always have a ball


Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 09:44:05 pm
MiniWindex

The FWC have been running these shows for a lot longer than 'Windex, which incidently they are partly responsible for in the first place and have sponsored from the beginning.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: ftp on October 12, 2009, 09:55:41 pm
I didn't go because I can't think of anything worse than a day pole fondling or squeegie stroking or having orgasms over the latest ro unit. I don't think I'd go if it was 100yds away to be honest. Nice sunny day like today I'd rather go to the coast if I was taking a day off. Just don't think a trade show would hold my attention for more than three seconds.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: geefree on October 12, 2009, 10:15:32 pm
I didn't go because I can't think of anything worse than a day pole fondling or squeegie stroking or having orgasms over the latest ro unit. I don't think I'd go if it was 100yds away to be honest. Nice sunny day like today I'd rather go to the coast if I was taking a day off. Just don't think a trade show would hold my attention for more than three seconds.

I Agree with you, to a point,

I know its important to a lot of the guys, but i am very small fry,...
and to watch a wc competition, and to see all the major suppliers is not important to me at all,... i know who they are anyway, ... i wont get any discount because of a face to face meeting with a rep....

All in all its ok for those who want to go,

it simply does not appeal to me..... just now anyway !

Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: matt on October 12, 2009, 10:18:54 pm
Matt

Not at all, makes no difference to me what the FWC do, I am not involved with the FWC one bit. I just wouldnt like to lose an event like they put on, I think as an industry we need things like this.
I see these shows as the highlighs of my business year and really love going to them, you just cant beat a night in the bar with the likes of Karl Robinson, Ian Lancaster, Lewis Doubtfire, Terry and his mate ( Tells amazing window cleaning storeys) Peter Fogwell and whoever else might be there.

Past good nights have been spent with Tosh, Ian Giles, Shiner, Wavey Davey, Andy Cheney to mention a few.

If you don't enjoy yourself at these shows, what can I say.

I always have a ball




i was just interested dave, it wasnt a dig at you, as i know whats been said in the past about the fed ( and the stunts that have been pulled ), wasnt that the point of setting up the other outfit, just interested in if you were getting involved with them etc etc

i wouldnt mind a show if it was closer to home ( the cov show is a possible ), though to be honest i dont think i would stay for a all nighter as both my daughters insist on a goodnight kiss  ;)

Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 10:24:51 pm
Matt

its all cool, having  run an association and know how difficult it is, I have nothing but respect for these guys, you just need to meet them, not just Bryan and Andrew, but the other guys as well, they do a lot of hard work.

Gazza

You will get discounts at the show, these guys want to recoup some money and they will deal, believe me !!!

Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on October 12, 2009, 10:40:23 pm
Check this out

http://robinson-solutions.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: jouk45 on October 12, 2009, 11:08:49 pm
now if they had a car boot style stalls selling unwanted wfp and trad goods, bet that would get loads of w/c going to the shows,  ;D
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: richywilts on October 13, 2009, 12:18:58 am
i was on a roof coating course in the lake district this is another business im goin into with a friend hoping itll be the one too make me rich!! window cleaning may have to go on the back burner
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: Alistair@AWC on October 13, 2009, 12:34:15 am
Richy,

If you decide to push this roof sealing full time give me a shout your not a million miles from me so Id buy your WC clients

Regards

Al
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: tomy jackson on October 13, 2009, 07:27:34 am
it wood be beter on sat sun
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: LWC on October 13, 2009, 07:46:52 am
I just couldnt be bothered, unless they bring out something where i dont have to go out the door to clean the windows i aint interested.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: leapstallbuildings on October 13, 2009, 07:57:43 am
As you know it was the FWC show last Friday, although it was quite successful with the amount of people through the door, I thought there would be a lot more people from the forums attending.

What stoppd you from going ?

Was it the location ?

Because it was on a work day ? or you simply couldnt be bothered ?

Would you have attended if it were closer to your home ?

Thanks

Dave


A combination of location and not being up to date with my work.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: leapstallbuildings on October 13, 2009, 08:09:53 am
Matt

Not at all, makes no difference to me what the FWC do, I am not involved with the FWC one bit. I just wouldnt like to lose an event like they put on, I think as an industry we need things like this.
I see these shows as the highlighs of my business year and really love going to them, you just cant beat a night in the bar with the likes of Karl Robinson, Ian Lancaster, Lewis Doubtfire, Terry and his mate ( Tells amazing window cleaning storeys) Peter Fogwell and whoever else might be there.

Past good nights have been spent with Tosh, Ian Giles, Shiner, Wavey Davey, Andy Cheney to mention a few.

If you don't enjoy yourself at these shows, what can I say.

I always have a ball


I enjoy aspects of the socialising too Dave.  Birmingham a couple of years back was an evening to remember - though I imagine some were too peed to remember much anyway   :)  .  I find it is nice to build it in to a few days off.  Last time I used it as a jump off point to go to visit relatives in the north east (I'm from the south east).  I intend to go to Coventry next time.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: BradMonks on October 13, 2009, 09:06:51 am
Quote
i know who they are anyway, ... i wont get any discount because of a face to face meeting with a rep....
Quote

Trade shows are a big expense for companies, sales personel off the road/out off offices, travelling expenses, overnight costs and thats without the cost of the stand space. Most, if not all, of the stands had some sort of 'show offer' to entice people to buy. I know we did on the Wndow Cleaner Pro stand as it was our first show and it was a large capital outlay for us so we wanted to maximise every selling opportunity.

I love doing shows as i have a belief that people deal with people and i want to know who our customers are....by name, face and sometimes by reputation! Its easier to deal with someone who you know and is not just a voice on a phone or a name on a computer screen, thats how deals get done.
Title: Re: FWC Show, what stopped you from going.
Post by: HIGH LEVEL WINDOW CLEANERS (scrimmy) on October 13, 2009, 09:11:18 am
i dont understand why they only do shows in england when there are so many window cleaners who live and work in other parts of the uk...surely it would make more sense for them to have regional trade shows.....i am sure there are loads of guys who would attend if the show was only an hour or so drive away....and they would increase the sales of whatever they are trying to sell 10 fold ;)