[Moderator David@stives]

I will vouch for what Glyn has said.
Glyn and Craig were adamant they would only partisipate in an advisory and support role and did not want to be on the committee.
After a lot of persuasion off myself and others we managed to bring them on board.
The reason for this was because i dont think we could  achieve what we want to without them being actively involved,as they both have a great deal of expertise between them.

Dave

[Terry_Burrows]

what I feel is nice these  companys working together,even given that they are selling against each other for wfps,thats pro like for you :)I think they call that
solidarity

[Davindo Cleana]

Hi - can I just be sure by asking - is the PWCA a new organisation outside of the Federation, a bit like when the darts split
Also - when there was a recent Fed vote on name change was PWCA not one of them - what would happen if that was the chosen name - or has all that been sorted out
Lastly, and I know this is premature, though brand identity would need to come fairly quickly, has any hint been made as to the logo
will it have ladders and wfp

thanks,  Red

[24-7 S C Services]

Hi Red,

In answer to your questions: -

The PWCA has nothing to do with the NFMWGC and will be a 'Trade Association' not a 'Federation'. There is a difference between these two types; you may want to review the differences.

I cannot comment on any voting for names the NFMWGC made, as I was not there and I was not informed. The PWCA name has not been taken by any organisation and we where free to use this.

As far as I am aware, the logo is been worked on as we speak, however, I cannot comment on what it will look like, because I do not know.

Many Thanks


Andrew Mullen
PWCA Recruitment Officer

[Davindo Cleana]

Thanks Andrew - It sounds very positive and the name is very good - I have the gist of trade and fed and know where you are coming from
Cheers for the reply,  Red

[Mike_Boxall]

Unfortunately, although I was very keen to attend, I was unable to make the meeting on Friday.

I'm not at all surprised that it was decided to create a new 'association' although I have to say that I do not believe it is the best thing for the industry.

Everyone is aware of the problems with the Federation. They certainly appear to have been obstructive with Philips request to see the accounts and members should, quite rightly, ask why such action was taken. However, even some of the committee members themselves agree that 2 or 3 key people need replacing.

Can I ask, did this meeting consider setting up a pressure group to instigate change in the Federation?

Wouldn't that be easier, cheaper, faster and more effective than starting up something entirely from scratch. The Federation already has paying members, it has working relationships with other industry bodies, government and the HSE, it has financial resources and it has at least a little bit of credibility.

A new organisation will split the window cleaning industry even more than it is now. What can it possibly do that can't be done by the Federation with the the right people supporting it?

How many people that went to this meeting on Friday also attended the Federation AGM?

I can see why some people are disheartened with the state of the industry at the moment but why are those people who are prepared to put so much time and effort into the 'PWCA' not prepared to do the same with the Federation. It just deosn't make sense to me and, like others, I suspect there's more to it than meets the eye!

The main argument over the years seems to have been that not many customers have heard of the Federation. OK, I can see the downside of that. But, do people really believe a window cleaning organisation could have 'the same credibility as CORGI'? Come on, whether we like it or not we are talking about window cleaning! If a 'cowboy' window cleaner cleans your windows you could be left with 'impacted dirt' - if a 'cowboy' plumber services your boiler a gas leak could kill you! Joe Public is never going to give window cleaners the same credibility! Is it not more important for a trade organisation to encourange safe practice (whether with poles or ladders), to liase with government bodies about real issues, to bring the industry together as one and to help each and every member become more professional and, therefore, more successful?

Please, don't get me wrong. I think it's great that a group of like-minded individuals have stood up and said 'we don't like the situation as it is and we're going to change it'. I applaud you for your action. I'm sure you'll get plenty of initial support and I have no doubt it'll get off to a great start. However, 12 months down the line I suspect it'll suffer like almost every other trade association out there. There will be plenty of people talking the talk - but very few that walk the walk!

Sorry, but I think you've all missed the biggest opportunity to make real change in this industry!

Regards

Mike Boxall 

[Peter Fogwill]

For what its worth, I agree with Mike.

Peter Fogwill

[gaza]

hI JUST ARRIVED BACK FROM tURKEY ,WELL CHILLED AND FEELING GOOD. I couldnt attend because of the distance involved,In fact  didnt know anything about it,how dare you leave me out?

I  take my hat off to you all who attended and if run right maybe a small local w/c org as a feeder unofficial info meeting could be run?ie a pub,a gab,like the masonics except you wouldnt have a secret hand shake, you would have to have a flat cap ,bucket,and a tatto of a crossed squeezee and mop on your forehead.[only joking]

Having just  witnessed the most appauling hse site work in Turkey,was anyone put  up for the hs job and would they be given the go ahead to get an official version in plain English?

This is a good idea as competion can only bring a benefit to w/c

yours GAZA [GOING TO INSPECT THE BACK OFF MY EYELIDS NOW]

[windows_chepstow]

Ian or Mike,

Is this meant to be a 'sticky' type of post at the top of the screen?

[simonf]

For what its worth, I agree with Mike.

Peter Fogwill

here here

[Terry_Burrows]

with regard to the Fed AGM,there is always not a great attendance thats the place to be to get listened to,but same thing year in year out ???people would rather stand at the bar,you always get the hard liners turn up,but never a mass

[Ian_Giles]

Tosh,

I assumed that either you or Mike had made it a 'sticky' topic, as it wasn't you then it must have been Mike?

I have my own ideas as to how I would want to see our trade moved forward, I've mostly stayed out of the loop, preferring to read all of the arguements that others put forward.
Shortly I'll try and write down what I PERSONALLY would like to see.
Though my own views are more selfish in nature.
I'll have a dash at putting my thoughts in writing later, even at the risk of being shot down in flames

Regards,

Ian.

Coffee break over & back to work

[Mike_Boxall]

Hi

Yes, I've kept it at the top as it's quite a popular topic and it saves people creating lots of new ones covering the same thing. If a particular topic doesn't get a reply for 24hrs it can drop off the first page.

I suspect this subject's going to run for a while and it just makes it easier to keep track of it.

Regards

Mike

[windows_chepstow]

Mike,  I think you killed the thread.

I'm not sure if I'm qualified to give an opinion, but that's never stopped me before. 

The Federation appear to be lacking 'something' rather major.  If it wasn't for Googling on the internet I would never have heard of them.

A local window cleaner whose been window cleaning for 20 years hadn't even heard of them till I asked if he was a member.

A new trade association, organised by highly-motivated and well-meaning individuals sounds good to me.  Let's hope it has a bit more vision, leadership and is more dynamic than the current Fed.

[Terry_Burrows]

This has always been my point they did not do enough PR this cost lots of money,I have gave them loads press in some 10 years,but there are times you need to pay,and being the record holder they had the car,but not the petrol ???so I did what I did to the best I could while being on the board,if after some 50 years of being around people still never known of the Fed,the new Pwca has its work cut out,but having said that it depends who is doing all the pushing,money once again says it all ;)you need a national plug!

[windows_chepstow]

This has always been my point they did not do enough PR this cost lots of money,

I believe Pure 2O are a new(ish) company selling WFPs.  Recently a glossy magazine hit my doormat from them.  They obviously went through the phone books and found my name and address.

Surely the Fed could've done something similar to increase their membership?  More members more money?  Better PR?

Just a thought.

[Mike_Boxall]

Mike,  I think you killed the thread.

Errr, yes it does seem to have lost some of it's momentum doesn't it.

Maybe there's no-one out there with a valid argument as to why it is better to start something entirely new rather than work something out with the organisation you already have.

Or maybe people aren't really that bothered by it after all.

Philip's gone very quiet too........I am keen to find out why he doesn't appear to be on the comittee of this new organisation.

Any ideas?

Regards

Mike

[Terry_Burrows]

I am sure what you will find is and quite right to ;)Pwca is setting up its stall laying out what can be done anyone in the southampton area if you are up late listen to BBC radio southhampton I will be on there from around 11 0clock tonight  ::)and for about 40 mins maybe longer,if you have nothing to d listen in,they are Taking call ins I understand questions etc and a bit of fun

[matt]

I believe Pure 2O are a new(ish) company selling WFPs.  Recently a glossy magazine hit my doormat from them.  They obviously went through the phone books and found my name and address.

isnt Pure 2O or is it PURE O2 a ionics company

[windows_chepstow]

I believe Pure 2O are a new(ish) company selling WFPs.  Recently a glossy magazine hit my doormat from them.  They obviously went through the phone books and found my name and address.

isnt Pure 2O or is it PURE O2 a ionics company

Who knows?  Maybe?  Who cares?  My point was if a WFP company can do it, why couldn't/can't the Fed? 

With more members + more money = better PR