Welcome to the 70TH Anniversary Spring Window Talk.


Preparations are underway for the FWC’s Window Cleaning Trade Show – this event promises to be packed full of interesting offers and activities throughout the day. Have you booked your entry badge for the FWC Blackpool Show? There is little more than six weeks to go before the Show at the Village Hotel in Blackpool on 25th May 2017. We encourage all members to come along and support this notable occasion.


70th Annual General Meeting


The day starts off at 9:00am with the Annual General Meeting that will be held in the Activation room at the Village Hotel in Blackpool on 25th May 2017. Please inform the FWC if you will be attending so that we can ensure adequate seating and refreshments are available.


Nomination & Election Notice


The Committee positions are unopposed for 2017 as a result the Chairman and Executive Council Members who retire in 2017, are eligible for automatic re-election at the 2017 AGM. With exception of Bryan Dolby who retires from the committee of management at the AGM. Current executives are pictured above from left to right: Chairman; Andrew Lee, Vice-Chairman Michael Lamont, Executives; Scott Smith, Steve Kennedy, Paul Thrupp and Bryan Dolby


Registered members who feel they have the expertise; time and a drive to help maintain and improve our independent trade body are encouraged to consider putting their name forward for the 2018 nominations.


The exhibition will commence at 10:00am, seminar at 11:00am and Terry Burrows will present the popular fastest window cleaning competition at 14:00. Read more about this event on pages 8 & 9. To book your entry tickets please go to: www.f-w-c.co.uk/show.htm alternatively, email: info@f-w-c.co.uk or call 0161 432 8754 – See pages 8,9 & back page for more.


The March Cleaning Show at the Excel in London proved to be worthwhile for the FWC with new members joining, as well as the presentation for company of the year awards 2017. More about this on pages 5 &16.


The federation will be also be supporting an event in Northern Ireland in June this year – The BACHE (British Association for Cleaning in Higher Education) Annual Conference, given the level of spend on cleaning by the higher education sector, this Conference provides a unique opportunity for suppliers in the market to meet directly with users and key decision makers to promote their product ranges and services on offer.


Advertise with us for FREE


Classified advertising in window talk is a FREE service for members – so if you have any equipment for sale – businesses for sale – vacancies etc. or any supplementary business you wish to promote. Call us now!


We will also include your advert on the for sale page of our website – that’s two FREE exposures that members can take advantage of. So why not give Window Talk and the for-sale page a try.


For more information contact beryl@f-w-c.co.uk or, call 0161 432 8754 to ask for help in formulating your advert or vacancies.


70th Anniversary Editorial Is Your Window Cleaning


Business Cyber Aware? Last year in the UK over two million people were victims of a cyber crime – ranging from suffering identity fraud to having money taken from their bank accounts or falling prey to “ransomware”, which blocks software until a sum of money is paid over.


When your personal digital devices are also critical in helping you to run your business, as they are for many window cleaners, the impact of a cyber attack is even greater – putting reputation, customer retention and, ultimately, the bottom-line, at risk.


The good news is that protecting your business from hackers and viruses is quick and simple. Based on expert advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ, Cyber Aware recommends two simple steps that are crucial in protecting against the majority of cyber threats: 1. #ThinkRandom and use three random words to create a strong password. A weak password can allow hackers to use your email to gain access to many of your personal accounts, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft or fraud


2. Always download the latest software and app updates. They’re not just about aesthetics; they contain vital security updates which help protect your devices from hackers and viruses


These simple actions can make a big difference to your online security and help protect your business. While cyber attacks on large multinational businesses may make the headlines, the threat is just as real – if not more so – to smaller enterprises without the time and financial resources or in-house expertise to address this burning issue. To find out more visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk or follow the conversation on Twitter: @cyberawaregov


Why you need to check


your policy conditions? Sourcing the right public and employer’s liability insurance to suit your business activities can prove to be difficult. Many insurers impose restrictions, including a maximum work at height level; restricting the heights you can work from.


High access level work could also be excluded in other ways; with conditions excluding any injury or damage from using lifting platforms, ropes, cradles, or harnesses.


Ultimately you and your team may not be adequately covered and your business could be at risk.


At Polished Insurance, we understand the requirements of window cleaning contractors and have created a bespoke insurance policy to meet these needs.


For more information visit www.polished-insurance.co.uk call 01942 403370 or email help@polished-insurance.co.uk


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