[daz1977]

there seems to a lot of organisations/ federations etc around for wc to join  ie the british window cleaning academy,  federation of window cleaners,  guild of window cleaners,  etc


are these worth it and which one in your opinion is worth joining

[ccmids]

i cant see the point joining one

[macmac]

To me the main point is to use their logos on your van, cards, invoices etc. Looks more pro'. The guild's stuff looks superb & it's only something like £20 to join. For that you get membership, van stickers & a CD with their images/logos on it!

How can you go wrong?

[leapstallbuildings]

there seems to a lot of organisations/ federations etc around for wc to join  ie the british window cleaning academy,  federation of window cleaners,  guild of window cleaners,  etc


are these worth it and which one in your opinion is worth joining

It depends what you want to pay and what you want to receive for that payment.
Although I don't use the facilities, my own membership is not specific to any particular trade.  I'm in the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).  The main tangible benefit that I can see is that they will support you through any tax investigation.  Accountancy fees can be high in a tax investigation.  Also, unlike regular accountancy fees, they are not tax deductible.  Itr is possible to buy insurance to cover this but I regard my membership fee as that insurance and there are other bits of help too - mainly a free legal helpline.  Can't recall what other benefits there are because I'm not an active member but I know there are various meetings/seminars (for an extra small fee) that may be helpful in a learning curve to run a small business.

[DaveG]

I agree with macmac, logos look good on the van!

[macmac]

there seems to a lot of organisations/ federations etc around for wc to join  ie the british window cleaning academy,  federation of window cleaners,  guild of window cleaners,  etc


are these worth it and which one in your opinion is worth joining

It depends what you want to pay and what you want to receive for that payment.
Although I don't use the facilities, my own membership is not specific to any particular trade.  I'm in the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).  The main tangible benefit that I can see is that they will support you through any tax investigation.  Accountancy fees can be high in a tax investigation.  Also, unlike regular accountancy fees, they are not tax deductible.  Itr is possible to buy insurance to cover this but I regard my membership fee as that insurance and there are other bits of help too - mainly a free legal helpline.  Can't recall what other benefits there are because I'm not an active member but I know there are various meetings/seminars (for an extra small fee) that may be helpful in a learning curve to run a small business.

Are you 100% sure that the fsb will pick up the bill for an IR investigation?

[macmac]

Or do you mean they will help you "instead" of paying accountant?

[Bryan_Dolby]

It MUST depend on what you want your assosisation to achieve on your behalf

The FWC as worked on

Trainning

WFP and ladder iosh
Iosh working safely
Iosh risk assesment
DVD in safe use

Industry guidence and meetings

NVQ standards
HSE guidence for window cleaners
Insurance under writters
Industry forums
Defra
HSE

Trade shows
Correct industry information
Logo

Information will be on  FWC website

It is not just putting a sticker on a van its what the logo means to our industry

Bryan

[macmac]

It is not just putting a sticker on a van its what the logo means to our industry
 

That's where you're wrong, for me it's just about the logo!  I'm already blessed with common sense thanks.

[Mr T]

Bryan
Has the Fed stopped sending out window talk . Do you only get in pdf now

[Bryan_Dolby]

Mr T

W/Talk as just been sent out to all paid members
Just phone head office if you never reiceved one

mac man
I agree yes logo is a big thing but how we represent our industry and promote the professional side of window cleaning is bigger
Joining assisations is not just getting a logo its what they achieve


Bryan

[Window Washers]

To me the main point is to use their logos on your van, cards, invoices etc. Looks more pro'. The guild's stuff looks superb & it's only something like £20 to join. For that you get membership, van stickers & a CD with their images/logos on it!

How can you go wrong?

Are you on a wind up  ?

[macmac]

To me the main point is to use their logos on your van, cards, invoices etc. Looks more pro'. The guild's stuff looks superb & it's only something like £20 to join. For that you get membership, van stickers & a CD with their images/logos on it!

How can you go wrong?

Are you on a wind up  ?

Why don't you tell us why you would think that Ian?

[wizard]

My son in law is a big shot in the facilaties game in London .I once asked him if all the so called organisations and  the rest made any impact in getting work . the answer I got was that the companies in Commercial do not know much about window cleaning but by commiting to there standerds and having  indorsement by these organiations stood you in good deed when going for this trye of work.

[rg1]

Whether you agree or not, Macman has a point. Logos on the van look good and can give customers a certain amount of confidence in you. They (customers) don't know the ins and outs of whether one association or another is doing more for the industry etc

[macmac]

To me the main point is to use their logos on your van, cards, invoices etc. Looks more pro'. The guild's stuff looks superb & it's only something like £20 to join. For that you get membership, van stickers & a CD with their images/logos on it!

How can you go wrong?

Are you on a wind up  ?

Why don't you tell us why you would think that Ian?

Well, Mr. Wicks? still waiting for you to enlighten me.