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Federation of Window Cleaners Article December 2005
In 1970 Joe Price formed his company - JV Price cleaning and property maintenance
based in Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire, soon after finding a niche in the market
for residential, shop and commercial work. The business grew virtually overnight
and before long he expanded into property maintenance as well, and in 2003 the Company
went limited. Joe believes his company grew into what it is today through hard work
and a good team of people, taking risks with methods other people didn't use. Even
so, we never took risks with Safety and the reputation of our company and we have
always delivered a good safe standard of work to all our customers.
What access methods does your company use?
All our operators are CITB trained and IPAF approved on all access equipment; such
as Eyebolts, harnesses, gantries, cable ways systems, abseiling, solsit chairs and
all types of access Plant, both from our own fleet and other hire firms including
ladders, and where nothing else is possible, a Waterfed Pole system.
We have two Bronto Skylift Lorry Mounted Hydraulic Platforms, the first being a
34-metre machine. We were the first cleaning company in the UK to buy a new one
and it has enabled us to access and quote for jobs that others just could not.
The second machine is a 37 metre and it is the first one in the UK! It has the best
safety features and can take up to seven operators to a height of 37 metres with
a 27 metre outreach and therefore reaches over any obstacles. We have had many extras
fitted to the lorry, such as: built in pressure washers, lights for night work,
sleeper cab for when operators are working away from base. It has every safety extra
on the list including satellite navigation as we are working countrywide. It also
has a second engine as a safety feature, which can also run off electricity to enable
the machine to be used inside.
What effect has the new Work At Height Regulations 2005 had on
your company?
When asked what affect the 2005 work at height regulations have had on the company,
Joe replied Very little... as We have always been one-step ahead and safety is paramount
to the company. We are always willing to try new solutions and we have the backing
of safe contractors certificate and are a citation approved Company. Plus attending
one of the NFMW&GC IOSH Health and Safety Awareness Training courses.
We carry out work for Mitie Site Services (Brent Cross Shopping Centre) The liberty
shopping centre, Total Oil, Sap, Covent Garden Market, King Sturge, ABBEY (Abbey
National) Xerox and Clean Estates just to name a few! 'You're only as good as your
last job'.
What does the future hold for JV Price Limited?
The business is growing from strength to strength and with Charlie Price (Director,
Operations Manager) and Kelvin Langstone (General Manager) having a greater input
to the business, it seems there is no stopping to the success the company has already
achieved!
We also anticipate further hydraulic platforms and specialist equipment to help
with the business and to hire to other cleaning companies. More services offered,
with full facilities management services for customers.
What advice would you offer Newcomers to the business?
Safety. Safety Safety!!!..... And join the federation of window cleaners
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