What a pile of tosh - License or FWC or others!!
Firstly let me say I have been a member of two so called professional organisations.
The FWC couldn't even give me any decent help with a risk assessment some time ago. The woman on the phone hasn't got a clue and no one ever got back to me. These organisations are all the same, Ok they might have some valid info for the newbie but what help are they to a growing firm - in my experience none
What I am saying is the FWC and the organisations like it take your money, look at your insurance and send you a mag - hardly progressing the professional image is it? It went to a few of there talks at Windex and was amazed how backward they really are.
I soon discovered these organisations are a waste of money.
I now belong to safe contractor and I am now well aware of my obligations and with their help have a range of health and safety measures in place to deal with my commitments towards safety. I didn't join them for the badge I joined them for the information they provide. I now have no worries regarding health and safety.
In my opinion the only person that can give window cleaning a professional image is you - act professional -get insured and have the correct equipment and training in place - look professional - do a good job safely - and no matter what happens remain calm and polite. Of course there is much more to it, but to be honest most window cleaners I know are their own worst enemies and long may it be so. I spend time and effort providing a professional service and I am rewarded by the work I compete for and gain.
When I quote I often ask who else is quoting, locally I am only concerned about one firm as they are true professionals and price wise we are very similar and guaranteed one of us will get it. No one else gets a look in. Why because we both are professional window cleaning firms, not jack the lad with a fAg hanging out his mouth.
A license will not make a jot of difference to me or jack the lad.