If you’ve ever spent your morning commute dreaming of starting your career afresh, this feature is for you.
Every Monday, Money Blog talks to someone from a different profession to find out what it’s really like. Today we speak to Kieron Fosher, window cleaner and owner of KF Specialist Exterior Cleaning in Kent…
Most people want to enter the industry… Either buy an existing round or start from scratch with basic equipment and build up slowly. If you really want to, you can start with a ladder and equipment for under £1,000, but to run a professional setup with a van and purified water system, you’re probably looking at costs of £5,000 to £15,000.
Get the latest tips and personal finance news at Money Blog
Chasing payments can be frustrating… The physical work is the easy part. Admin and managing cash flow is where the real business side comes in.
An employed window cleaner in the UK can earn somewhere.
An employed window cleaner in the UK can earn somewhere between… £22,000 and £30,000 per year depending on experience and location. If you’re self-employed and have a solid round trip, it’s very realistic to take home £30,000 to £50,000 before tax. Once you start building a team and running multiple vans, it can go much further than that.
My top tip for avoiding streaky windows at home is… Do not clean them in direct sunlight, as water dries very fast. Use a proper squeegee and wipe the blade after each pass. Most streaks occur because people use too much soap or dirty clothes.
A small drop of washing-up liquid in warm water is… More than enough for clean windows. People overuse products, which leads to mess.
The price depends on many things… The size of the property matters, but so does accessibility, how often the windows are cleaned, where the house is located and how efficiently it fits into your driveway. A typical three-bed semi will cost between £18 and £30 in many parts of the UK.
People often think it’s just a quick wipe down… But professional window cleaning involves specialist equipment, pure water systems and running a proper business. You’re paying as much for reliability and stability as you are for cleanability.
image: Kieron Forsher, window cleaner and owner of KF Specialist Exterior Cleaning in Kent.
The smartest financial decision I made early in my career was… Investing in a proper water-fed pole system. This made work safer, faster and more consistent. It also meant I could take on larger properties and commercial work. Spending money on the right equipment at the right time makes a big difference.
People value reliability more than anything else… If you come when they ask and do a satisfactory job, they stick with you for years. It has also taught me to be flexible because the weather doesn’t always cooperate and you still have to keep things going.
People forget that we are outside… More often than you expect. You quickly learn to remain professional and look away when necessary.
Read more from this series: Marine biologists reveal the one thing you can do to save the planet ‘I could lend someone £100,000 an hour’: the life of a moneylender ‘I am a nanny – this is the misconception in society about child rearing.’
My strangest encounter was on the stairs… When I knocked on the front window to let someone know I was there. It turned out that it was a bedroom window and someone was sleeping inside. Of course, it was a quick apology and a professional finish to my explanation.
You have surely noticed pets behaving very differently… When they think no one is watching. Dogs in particular think that pole is some kind of game.
Have you ever found it frustrating when someone mentions that you’ve missed something before you’ve even finished the task?
To get work done in winter… Good layers and waterproof clothing are essential. Thermal gloves help a lot. The greatest challenge is frozen equipment or snowy mornings, so sometimes you start a little late and plan according to the weather.
During the cost of living crisis… Some customers have increased their cleaning frequency slightly, but overall demand is still strong. Clean windows make a home feel better and are one of the more affordable home services, so many people continue to do it.
A technology that people might not know about… Most professional cleaners now use pure water systems. The water is filtered so that it becomes completely stain-free without the need for wiping. This way we can clean the windows above and still get a perfect finish.
My best tip for earning more without working long hours is… improve efficiency and gradually increase your average price. Narrow routes and excellent prices matter more than trying to cram in more jobs.
image: Photo: iStock
If I could go back and change one decision in my career, I would… I raised my prices early. Many window cleaners charge low when starting out and spend years trying to make it big. Charging properly from the start saves many headaches later on.
Most weeks I work out about 35 to 45 hours… My schedule is usually daytime because we are dependent on daylight, so around 8am to 4pm. In the summer, we can stretch it a little longer, but winter is more difficult. If you run your own business, there’s always extra time in the evening for quotes, messaging, scheduling and paperwork. The hours spent on the business equate to more than 60 hours a week.
– Authorities say they have arrested Haitian lawmaker Arnel Belizaire, who faces charges including financing terrorism and plotting against state security.
This is Belizaire’s latest arrest in a country Where powerful political figures have been operating with impunity for a long time. Some have been linked to gangs financing and supporting control over an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
Late Sunday, Haiti’s National Police announced the end of the search for the renowned lawmaker, who had first faced charges nearly two months ago.
Belizaire had earlier described the arrest warrant against him as a political threat. It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer.
Belizaire had registered his new political party. At the end of last week for the upcoming general election.
The US government had accused Belizaire of “significant corruption” just last year, announcing that he and his immediate family members were barred from entering the United States.
Belizaire was arrested and sentenced to prison on illegal weapons charges in the early 2000s. He escaped and was re-arrested but escaped again while being chased to Haiti. The devastating earthquake of 2010.
He was elected to Haiti’s parliament in 2011 and was arrested again when police discovered he had fled during the earthquake. He was later released after political pressure.
Belizaire was arrested again several years ago after being accused of arms trafficking, but those charges were dropped.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says his players “don’t want to annoy themselves and make more noise” by organising pre-match in the centre circle.
It follows an unusual scene before Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat by Newcastle when referee Paul Tierney stood near the ball before kick-off but did not move away as Chelsea players gathered around him for captain Reece James to speak for his team.
Rosenior says there has been no decision yet on where he will line up for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain but is expected to change his position from the centre circle.
It is understood that officials warned Chelsea not to gather around the ball before kick-off because of the risk of mass confrontation when rivals are about to start the match.
After the Newcastle match, Rosenior said that Tierney should “concentrate on his job” and said he would speak to his bosses at PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd), insisting that his players “respect the ball”.
Speaking on Monday, Rosenior said the discussion about the uproar had been “inflated out of proportion” and was a “distraction for the media”.
“The boys have always wanted to show unity and solidarity: the boys will continue to do that,” he said ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 match against Paris Saint-Germain.
“We would rather not fight among ourselves and create noise. We will decide tomorrow where we will do it.”
Rosenior said he has not yet spoken to PGMOL but is scheduled to meet with him in person this week.
He said, “What I was saying after the game was not about the uproar. It was about my perspective on some of the decisions taken in the game. It would be wonderful to meet him and have an in-depth conversation with him.”
The foul was the brainchild of now-injured captain Reece James, rather than Rosenior, who explained his purpose by saying, “I think it’s the best way I can get a message across to them.”
Chelsea need to bounce back from a 5-2 defeat on Tuesday night after a late defeat to PSG in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Speaking about the issue, PSG boss Luis Enrique said, “I was surprised when I saw it. But I heard Liam talking about it with maturity.
“We can look at different things, but if there is respect from the Chelsea players and staff, then there is no problem.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told BBC Sport after witnessing the incident on Saturday that he had never seen anything strange “in 50 years of watching football”.
He was also able to shed some light on the incident, saying, “Since it was Newcastle’s kick-off, the referee [took] was there to control the ball at the halfway line and prevent any potential problems.
“When it is their kick-off, there is no particular issue. However, when their opponents are to kick off, there is a possibility of a collision.”
President Donald Trump speaks during a board meeting of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in the East Room of the White House in Washington, as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wills looks on. (AP photo)
White House chief of staff Susie Wills has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer
but will continue to work during her treatment, President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Monday.
Trump said Wills’ prognosis is “excellent” and described him as “one of the strongest people I know.” He said Wills planned to begin treatment immediately but made no suggestion that she was taking back her job as one of his closest advisers.
“During the period of her treatment, she will spend almost all of her time at the White House, which will delight me as President!” Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform. “She’ll be better soon!”
It comes as the Republican president faces mounting challenges on the global and national fronts, from the war in Iran and rising oil prices to this autumn’s midterm elections and US concerns over affordability.
Wills, 68, is a long-time Trump ally who rose from co-chairman of his campaign to his closest adviser and lawyer. The first woman to become White House chief of staff, Wills spent decades as a lobbyist and political operative in Florida and led Trump’s 2016 effort in the state.
She mostly stays out of the spotlight but gained attention in December with an unusually candid Vanity Fair interview in which she made critical comments about Trump administration leaders, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump then underlined his confidence in Wills, calling the interview a “hit piece” and describing Wills as “brilliant”.
In his Monday post, Trump reiterated that Wills is “direly and deeply committed to serving the American people.”
“Melania and I are with her every step of the way, and we look forward to working with Susie on many big and wonderful things to happen for the benefit of our country,” Trump said.
Reports reveal that Queen Elizabeth II “felt very detached” from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding planning, an early sign of tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
The late queen reportedly told close friend and confidante Lady Elizabeth “Lisa” Anson that Meghan rejected her attempts to contribute to the big day and insisted that Harry needed to be present for any wedding planning.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith made the claims in a Substack post.
alleging that Harry even ignored his grandmother asking him to serve the Archbishop of Canterbury, leaving her “really upset”.
Lady Anson told Ms Smith, “Harry has exposed his relationship with his grandmother. He said she was really upset. I was shocked when the Queen told me her feelings, at how upset she was. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was abusive to her for 10 minutes.”
Ms Smith said the Queen felt so “dismissed” about Meghan’s preparations for the wedding that Harry compromised by “writing her a letter explaining everything that was happening” a few days before the service.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
Oil prices rose 40% during the Middle East crisis: How this could impact petrol prices in the UAE / Image: File
While the Gulf region tops some of the world’s largest oil reserves, the prices we pay at the pump are not immune to the global chaos. Following recent changes in international policy and rising tensions involving major energy players, global oil benchmarks have surged. From the boardrooms of Wall Street to the gas stations of Dubai and Doha. For residents of the UAE and the wider GCC, this is not just a headline; it is a direct hit to monthly budgets as regional fuel committees step in to align local prices with the increasingly volatile global market.
Global oil prices cross $150
Oil markets have surged in recent days as rising tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel raise fears of supply disruptions across the Middle East. Benchmark Brent crude neared $105 a barrel, rising sharply as traders worry the conflict in the region could impact energy infrastructure and shipping routes. One of the biggest concerns is the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow channel through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes every day. Any disruption in tanker traffic through this route could push oil prices even higher, which would have an impact on global energy markets.
What is Brent Crude Oil and why does it matter?
Global oil prices are often measured using Brent crude, one of the most widely used benchmarks for crude oil trading around the world. Brent crude represents oil extracted from fields in the North Sea, but its price has become the global reference point for energy markets. About two-thirds of internationally traded crude oil is priced using the Brent benchmark. Because Brent reflects global supply and demand, its price directly affects how much countries pay for refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. When Brent crude rises sharply, it often causes fuel prices to rise in many countries, including countries that produce oil themselves.
Will petrol prices increase in the UAE?
For UAE residents, rising oil prices could translate into higher costs at petrol stations. Since 2015, fuel prices in the UAE have been adjusted monthly by the UAE Fuel Price Committee, which reviews international crude oil prices along with refining and delivery costs. Because of this system, petrol prices in the UAE move broadly in line with global oil markets. If crude oil prices remain high for several weeks, the increase is usually reflected in the next monthly fuel price update. This means motorists across the country are keeping a close eye on oil markets to see whether the recent surge will impact the next petrol price announcement.
How expensive can petrol be for UAE residents?
Fuel prices in the UAE have fluctuated throughout 2025 and early 2026 depending on global oil trends. Analysts say that if oil continues to trade above $100 per barrel, petrol prices may rise again in the coming months. Based on past price patterns, if crude moves towards $110-$120 per barrel, petrol in the UAE could potentially move towards the Dh3.60 to Dh4 per litre range. However, the exact price will depend on a number of factors, including refining costs, shipping expenses and currency fluctuations. Because prices are reviewed every month, any continued bounce in the oil markets could affect fuel prices in the next pricing cycle.
What about the rest of the Gulf countries?
The impact of rising oil prices is not limited to the UAE. Fuel pricing policies vary across the Gulf Cooperation Council, meaning residents of other Gulf countries may experience different impacts. In Saudi Arabia, petrol prices are periodically reviewed by the government and national oil giant Saudi Aramco. While the kingdom produces the world’s largest amount of oil, fuel prices can still adjust based on global market trends and domestic economic policies. Meanwhile, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain also regularly review petrol prices; adjustments are often linked to international oil benchmarks such as Brent crude. This means that a prolonged increase in global oil markets could gradually increase fuel prices in these countries. In Kuwait, petrol prices are more heavily subsidised than in some of its neighbours, which may help insulate residents from rapid market fluctuations. However, the continued rise in global crude oil prices may still influence future policy decisions.
looking ahead
If Brent crude continues to trade above $100 a barrel for a long time, analysts say gasoline prices in many Gulf countries could gradually rise in the coming months. Additionally, higher oil revenues could strengthen government finances across the region. Ultimately, the direction of fuel prices will depend on how the geopolitical situation develops – particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. For now, motorists in the UAE and the GCC are keeping a close eye on global oil markets, as the next move in crude oil prices could determine how much they pay at the pump in the coming weeks.
US President Donald Trump threatened more US attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub and called on allies to send warships to defend the Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran continues, according to a Reuters report.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump said the US strikes had caused massive damage to Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that more attacks could follow.
“We can hit it a few more times for fun,” Trump said, adding that although Tehran seemed willing to discuss ending the conflict, “the terms are not good enough yet.”
The comments came as the fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its third week, with both sides indicating they were preparing for a longer confrontation.
‘The countries of the world should take care of that route.’
Trump also urged countries that depend on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz to send naval forces to secure the shipping route.
Trump said on Truth Social that countries that get oil through the Strait of Hormuz should protect it and that the US would help.
He said the United States would coordinate with other countries to ensure the route remains open to shipping.
The strait is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a large portion of global oil and gas supplies passing through the narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Iran said it would not consider a ceasefire until US and Israeli airstrikes stopped. Iranian forces continued attacks in the area. A drone attack disrupted a major energy hub in the United States
On Saturday, the United States warned its citizens to leave Iraq after a missile attack near the US embassy in Baghdad, while the Arab Emirates issued a statement.
More than 2,000 people have been reported killed, the majority in Iran, since the United States and Israel began airstrikes on Iran on February 28, according to government and state media reports.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also warned that facilities linked to the United States in the region could become “legitimate targets”. Damage reported on Kharg Island
Iran underestimated the extent of damage on Kharg Island after the US attacks.
However, the US military said it targeted more than 90 locations on the island, including naval mine storage areas and missile bunkers.
Kharg Islands and the Persian Gulf. (file photo)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran would retaliate if an attack occurred on its energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed after succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in earlier attacks.
Allies are considering a response
Western countries have not yet confirmed whether they will send warships to the region.
A British Defence Ministry spokesman said Britain was discussing possible steps with partners to protect shipping.
“As we have said previously, we are currently discussing several options with our allies and partners to ensure the safety of shipping in the region,” the spokesperson said.
France also said it was working with partners on a coalition plan to protect shipping if the security situation improves.
The conflict has already disrupted oil markets, with some loading operations temporarily suspended at Fujairah port, a major global ship-refuelling hub outside the Strait of Hormuz.
“During the period of her treatment, she will spend almost all of her time at the White House, which will delight me as President!” Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform. “She’ll be better soon!”
‘I’m a window cleaner – here’s a cleaning technique you might not know about and customer comments annoy us.’
If you’ve ever spent your morning commute dreaming of starting your career afresh, this feature is for you.
Every Monday, Money Blog talks to someone from a different profession to find out what it’s really like. Today we speak to Kieron Fosher, window cleaner and owner of KF Specialist Exterior Cleaning in Kent…
Most people want to enter the industry… Either buy an existing round or start from scratch with basic equipment and build up slowly. If you really want to, you can start with a ladder and equipment for under £1,000, but to run a professional setup with a van and purified water system, you’re probably looking at costs of £5,000 to £15,000.
Get the latest tips and personal finance news at Money Blog
Chasing payments can be frustrating… The physical work is the easy part. Admin and managing cash flow is where the real business side comes in.
An employed window cleaner in the UK can earn somewhere.
An employed window cleaner in the UK can earn somewhere between… £22,000 and £30,000 per year depending on experience and location. If you’re self-employed and have a solid round trip, it’s very realistic to take home £30,000 to £50,000 before tax. Once you start building a team and running multiple vans, it can go much further than that.
My top tip for avoiding streaky windows at home is… Do not clean them in direct sunlight, as water dries very fast. Use a proper squeegee and wipe the blade after each pass. Most streaks occur because people use too much soap or dirty clothes.
A small drop of washing-up liquid in warm water is… More than enough for clean windows. People overuse products, which leads to mess.
The price depends on many things… The size of the property matters, but so does accessibility, how often the windows are cleaned, where the house is located and how efficiently it fits into your driveway. A typical three-bed semi will cost between £18 and £30 in many parts of the UK.
People often think it’s just a quick wipe down… But professional window cleaning involves specialist equipment, pure water systems and running a proper business. You’re paying as much for reliability and stability as you are for cleanability.
Kieron Forsher, window cleaner and owner of KF Specialist Exterior Cleaning in Kent.
The smartest financial decision I made early in my career was… Investing in a proper water-fed pole system. This made work safer, faster and more consistent. It also meant I could take on larger properties and commercial work. Spending money on the right equipment at the right time makes a big difference.
People value reliability more than anything else… If you come when they ask and do a satisfactory job, they stick with you for years. It has also taught me to be flexible because the weather doesn’t always cooperate and you still have to keep things going.
People forget that we are outside… More often than you expect. You quickly learn to remain professional and look away when necessary.
Read more from this series:
Marine biologists reveal the one thing you can do to save the planet
‘I could lend someone £100,000 an hour’: the life of a moneylender
‘I am a nanny – this is the misconception in society about child rearing.’
My strangest encounter was on the stairs… When I knocked on the front window to let someone know I was there. It turned out that it was a bedroom window and someone was sleeping inside. Of course, it was a quick apology and a professional finish to my explanation.
You have surely noticed pets behaving very differently… When they think no one is watching. Dogs in particular think that pole is some kind of game.
Have you ever found it frustrating when someone mentions that you’ve missed something before you’ve even finished the task?
To get work done in winter… Good layers and waterproof clothing are essential. Thermal gloves help a lot. The greatest challenge is frozen equipment or snowy mornings, so sometimes you start a little late and plan according to the weather.
During the cost of living crisis… Some customers have increased their cleaning frequency slightly, but overall demand is still strong. Clean windows make a home feel better and are one of the more affordable home services, so many people continue to do it.
A technology that people might not know about… Most professional cleaners now use pure water systems. The water is filtered so that it becomes completely stain-free without the need for wiping. This way we can clean the windows above and still get a perfect finish.
My best tip for earning more without working long hours is… improve efficiency and gradually increase your average price. Narrow routes and excellent prices matter more than trying to cram in more jobs.
Photo: iStock
If I could go back and change one decision in my career, I would… I raised my prices early. Many window cleaners charge low when starting out and spend years trying to make it big. Charging properly from the start saves many headaches later on.
Most weeks I work out about 35 to 45 hours… My schedule is usually daytime because we are dependent on daylight, so around 8am to 4pm. In the summer, we can stretch it a little longer, but winter is more difficult. If you run your own business, there’s always extra time in the evening for quotes, messaging, scheduling and paperwork. The hours spent on the business equate to more than 60 hours a week.
Source link