Four directors from heating and renewables company PHS and 0800 Repair are taking on a demanding 56-mile, two-day walking challenge to raise vital funds for Marie Curie – a charity that has a deeply personal connection for the team.

Brothers Phil and Michael Pallister, alongside Jason Oakes and fellow director Liam Hall, will tackle the Weardale Way Challenge, walking from Killhope in County Durham to Durham Cathedral in just two days.

The challenge will be particularly poignant for Phil, Michael and Jason, who are walking in loving memory of their fathers, Chris and Brian, who both sadly lost their lives to cancer.

The team will set off from Killhope on 29 October, with colleagues joining them on the second day for the final stretch into Durham City, where they will complete their challenge at Durham Cathedral.

For Phil Pallister, CEO, and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, the challenge is a tribute to their father Chris, who sadly passed away from lung cancer in October 2024. Chris was diagnosed at 67 and died aged 70.

Jason Oakes, Partnership Director, will also be walking in memory of his father Brian, who died aged 72 last year after being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2024.

Jason said: “We wanted to organise a charity walk in loving memory of our fathers, but also to raise vital funds for Marie Curie. Both of our fathers were similar ages and both passed with cancer. We are a small executive team but the impact it has had on us personally and our business is huge.

“In addition, our other directors, Erik Coates and Kevin Nicol, have also had similar experiences and lost their dads to cancer in recent years too, so it is more common than people know.

“We hope that our walk will help to raise awareness but also the great work that Marie Curie does to support people living with terminal illnesses and their families.

“It will be extra poignant for me because when we set off, it will be around the first year anniversary when I lost my dad.”

For brothers Phil and Michael, the challenge will provide an opportunity to honour their father while helping raise money for a cause that has touched their family so personally.

They said: “The walk will be a lovely way to remember both of our dads whilst raising some funds for a very worthwhile charity along the way. We’re looking forward to the challenge and would appreciate any support along the way.”

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, supporting people living with terminal illnesses and their loved ones. The charity provides free expert nursing and hospice care, practical and emotional support, and a free support line, while also campaigning for improved care systems and funding palliative care research.

The team is hoping their 56-mile challenge will not only raise vital funds but also shine a light on the invaluable support Marie Curie provides to families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

To make a donation and support the team’s fundraising challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/phs-charity-walk

More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents.
 
The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of smart thermostats, low-energy lighting and more. 
 
Beyond Housing has partnered with heating and renewable specialists, 0800 Repair, who have recently won a number of contracts with housing association and local authority clients including Home Group, North Star Housing Group, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Borough Council.
 
The 12-month contract, with an option to extend for a further one year, was awarded to the Houghton-le-Spring headquartered company through the CHIC Framework (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) via a direct award.
 
Work is due to start this week with selected homes in Scarborough and Whitby and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beyond Housing on this energy efficiency contract, which extends our excellent working relationship of delivering cavity wall insulation to homes. Our experienced team are looking forward to working in residents homes to deliver these improvements.
 
“As part of the agreement, we are also committed to delivering social value, including educational workshops in schools located within the communities where we are carrying out home improvement works.”
 
Jamie Whitaker, Asset Sustainability Manager at, said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be partnering with 0800 Repair on our largest energy efficiency improvement programme to date, supporting the forthcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030.
 
“The project will improve more than 500 homes across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with measures including loft and wall insulation, energy-efficient lighting, smart heating controls and more. By improving the energy performance of our homes, we aim to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower their household bills and enjoy warmer, healthier living environments.
 
“We look forward to working closely with 0800 Repair to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for our customers and communities.”

With household budgets continuing to feel the pressure, many people are finding it harder to make ends meet. When money is tight, it can be tempting to accept a loan from someone who offers quick cash with few questions asked. However, what may seem like a simple solution can quickly become a much bigger problem.

What is a loan shark?
 
A loan shark is an illegal money lender who is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Unlike legitimate lenders, loan sharks operate outside the law and often target people who are struggling financially.
 
They may appear friendly and helpful at first – perhaps a neighbour, someone known through friends or family, or even a familiar face in the community. They often promise quick cash with no credit checks or paperwork, making their offer seem like an easy option when money is tight.
 
Unfortunately, this is where the problems often begin.
 
The dangers of borrowing from a loan shark

Loan sharks frequently charge excessive interest and add unexpected fees, making it almost impossible for borrowers to clear their debt. In many cases, repayments can spiral far beyond the amount originally borrowed.
 
Some illegal lenders also use intimidation, threats or harassment to force people to repay them. They may take personal belongings such as bank cards, passports or valuables as security, leaving borrowers feeling trapped and frightened.
 
If you have borrowed from a loan shark, it’s important to remember that you are not the one breaking the law. The criminal is the person lending the money illegally.
 
Could you be dealing with a loan shark?

You may have borrowed from a loan shark if you can answer yes to any of the following:
 
– You were offered cash quickly with little or no paperwork.
– There was no written loan agreement.
– You’re not sure how much you owe or when the loan will end.
– The amount you’re expected to repay keeps increasing.
– Your bank card, passport, phone or other valuables have been taken as security.
– You have been threatened, pressured or made to feel frightened about repayments.
– You feel worried about telling anyone about the loan.

Help is available
 
No one should have to face a loan shark alone. The Government-funded Stop Loan Sharks team investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders across England while providing free, confidential support to anyone affected.
 
Whether you’ve borrowed money yourself or you’re concerned about a friend, neighbour or family member, support is available without judgement.
 
You can contact Stop Loan Sharks:
 
– 24-hour confidential helpline: 0300 555 2222
– WhatsApp (9am–8pm, Monday to Friday): 07700 102773
– Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk for advice, live chat and more ways to get in touch.

If you’re worried about money

If you’re struggling with the rising cost of living, please remember there may be safer options available. Speak to an 0800 Repair or PHS colleague as soon as possible as we may be able to help or signpost you to free, independent debt and money advice before your situation becomes more difficult.
 
Reaching out for help could make all the difference. Whatever your circumstances, you don’t have to face financial worries on your own.

More than 400 Gentoo customers are now benefiting from energy efficiency improvements which are helping to make their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run.
 
£1m of the projects funding was sourced by 0800 Repair through successful grant applications to schemes including the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Gentoo also contributed an additional £400k investment to support a number of properties, helping to maximise the reach and impact of the programme.
 
Funding secured through GBIS focussed on cavity wall insulation improvements to help homes retain heat more effectively, reduce energy loss and address issues linked to condensation and damp.
 
Funding from ECO was primarily focused on improving heating control and efficiency and saw the installation of:
 
– Smart controls
– Time and temperature zone control thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
– Ventilation upgrades where required
– Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
 
Together, these measures help give customers greater control over their heating while helping to reduce their overall energy demand.
 
Peter Akers, Director of Asset and Sustainability at Gentoo said: “This programme represents a significant investment in our homes and our customers.
 
“By securing external funding and supplementing it with our own investment, we’ve been able to deliver meaningful improvements that make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run.
 
“This work will help tackle fuel poverty while supporting our long‑term sustainability ambitions and reducing environmental impact.”
 
0800 Repair specialises in insulation, heating and renewable energy solutions for homes across the UK and work with social housing providers across the country. Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to partner with Gentoo and bring £1 million worth of external funding to enable them to deliver these vital energy-efficiency measures to 400 homes.
 
“The delivery of this contract was achieved through brilliant collaboration and we are pleased to have been able to secure ECO and GBIS funding for them. We are looking forward to continuing this great partnership and for the benefit of people living in Sunderland.”

Heating and renewables giant PHS has made four key appointments to its Customer Experience Team to support its growth aspirations following a number of new contract wins.
 
Investment in the team by the Sunderland-based company, demonstrates its commitment to engaging with customers where they will be working and supporting the communities they live in.
 
When major works are being delivered in people’s homes on behalf of housing association clients, the first people that customers meet are PHS’s Customer Experience Team. The team supports customers before, during and after the works have been undertaken and they are allocated a dedicated Customer Experience Advisor who will be their main point of contact throughout the duration of the works.
 
Michelle Johnson has been promoted to Customer Experience Manager and will lead a team of four Customer Experience Advisors. She joined the organisation last May from a construction company where she held a similar role for 6.5 years. Michelle manages contracts on behalf of PHS and 0800 Repair, part of PHS Home Solutions, and has worked closely with Gentoo’s customers on the delivery of new kitchens, bathrooms and full electrical rewires in people’s homes.
 
In addition to managing the team, Michelle attends operational meetings with clients, provides day-to-day support to site while PHS or 0800 are working on their schemes and handles customer compliments, complaints and comments. She also organises consultation events and meets and greets customers where they will be working.
 
Julie Hewitson joins the organisation as a Customer Experience Advisor having worked in a similar role as a resident liaison officer for seven years. She will work with Gentoo customers as part of the Gentogether partnership.
 
Julie Blenkinsop has been appointed as a Customer Experience Advisor and joins PHS from Gentoo where she was a tenancy support co-ordinator, a position she held for 3.5 years. Julie will support the delivery of the contract with Northumberland County Council.
 
Beverley Little, also appointed as a Customer Experience Advisor joins PHS and will support 0800.
 
In addition to these new appointments, Soobia Akhtar has been promoted to a Customer Experience Advisor position. Soobia has been working with 0800 for two years and has been instrumental in driving forward success across 0800’s boiler and cavity wall insulation offer and more recently, internal projects. She is also taking forward a leadership qualification and will be managing the newly appointed trainees.
 
Lisa Coverdale, Head of Customer Experience at PHS, said: “Customers are at the heart of everything we do here at PHS and 0800 and this is the first time we’ve built a dedicated team, so it was incredibly important to bring in the right people with the right skills, experience and knowledge to be able to deliver the service our customers and clients expect.
 
“That, together with internal promotions for Michelle and Soobia demonstrates that we are investing in our team to support our growth aspirations and to support the delivery of new contract award wins.
 
“Due to the nature of the works we deliver, it can cause distress and upheaval so our team are there to help and support them to prepare for the works that will be undertaken, ensure they have all of the information to keep them safe and answer any questions they may have. I’m looking forward to working with the team. This is a really exciting time for PHS and 0800.”

Heating and renewable specialists 0800 Repair, part of PHS Home Solutions, has announced three new contract awards to strengthen its position in the North East and support its growth aspirations.
 
Northumberland County Council has awarded the company the main contractor role to carry out energy‑efficient retrofit works to approximately 300 council‑owned properties, predominantly in Blyth, Alnwick and Amble. The £4.8 million contract is for an initial two years, with an option to extend for a further two years, and was procured through Procure Plus.
 
The scope of works includes the installation of air source heat pumps, solar PV, energy‑efficient windows and doors, smart heating controls, ventilation upgrades, external and internal wall insulation, and cavity wall, loft, flat roof and underfloor insulation.
 
Northumberland County Council was awarded funding under the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant schemes. The council’s warmer homes team is delivering energy‑efficient measures to achieve EPC C by 2030, helping to reduce fuel poverty, lower household energy bills and decarbonise domestic energy use.
 
National social housing provider Home Group has awarded 0800 Repair a two‑year contract to carry out gas, solid fuel and low/zero‑carbon technology works within void and occupied properties across the North East. The 0800 Repair team will support Home Group’s DLO team with boiler and full heating installation works, routine repairs, annual servicing and associated remedial works, renewal of mains‑powered and battery‑operated fire and CO₂ detectors, and out‑of‑hours coverage.
 
The contract is for an initial 12 months with the option to extend for a further two years and includes a number of social value commitments to be delivered throughout its duration.
 
Meanwhile, the company has also been awarded a 12‑month reactive and planned boiler installation contract by Gateshead Council.
 
The 12‑month contract, with an option to extend for a further two years, was awarded through the North East Procurement Framework (NEPO) and will include reactive and planned boiler installation works across the council’s housing stock. 0800 Repair has been delivering heating installation services to Gateshead Council for the last nine years.
 
0800 Repair has made a commitment to delivering social value throughout the duration of the contract. This includes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training for staff, employment of local people, and supporting young people into work by delivering training on developing CVs, interview techniques and carrying out mock interviews to prepare them for the workplace.
 
Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to have been successfully awarded these three major contracts, which strengthen our position in the marketplace across the North East. The scope of works varies between each contract, and our experienced in‑house team is looking forward to working with our social housing and local authority partners to deliver these energy‑efficient improvements to people’s homes.
 
“In addition to delivering the improvements these works will achieve, we are committed to delivering social value measures in the communities where we work.”

An apprentice gas engineer has secured a permanent role within the business after impressing company bosses.
 
Dale Green, 42, successfully completed his 15-month apprenticeship at North East heating and renewable specialists 0800 Repair and has been rewarded with a full-time permanent role.
 
Dale joined the company in 2024 and is now fully qualified and working as a service and repair engineer, working in people’s homes on behalf of the firms social housing clients.
 
A welder fabricator by trade, he worked for the same company for over 20 years in various roles but decided on a completely different career and thought an apprenticeship would be a good route to gaining experience and potentially securing a permanent role, and the hard work has paid off.
 
During his apprenticeship, he attended Ignite Training in North Shields one day per week and eventually secured his End Point Assessment (EPA), which enables him to attend appointments on his own, whereas previously, he attended with a mentor.
 
The EPA is the final independent test for apprentices in England, where he was evaluated to see if he achieved occupational competence in the field.
 
Dale said: “I feel like this job is exactly what I should be doing and proves that apprenticeships provide a route to securing a full-time role. I previously worked for the same company for a long time and needed a change – a fresh challenge. I felt I was stuck in a bit of a rut but, after discussing my options with friends, I saw a vacancy with 0800 Repair and haven’t looked back.
 
“They have been brilliant in supporting me with my apprenticeship and I am also very grateful to Ignite Training too. Age is just a number and shouldn’t be a barrier to learning a new career or gaining additional qualifications. I enjoy the challenges of the job and working and meeting new customers each day and feel I want to give something back to the company for supporting me on my journey.”
 
Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair said: “We are delighted for Dale and he has shown commitment and dedication to succeed from the very first day and throughout his apprenticeship. He is always learning and has shown willingness to progress and be successful, so he fully deserves this opportunity and I wish him all the best. He is a great asset to the business.
 
Emma Garrick, Director at Ignite Training, said: “Dale joined us as an apprentice on the Level 3 Gas Engineering Apprenticeship from 0800. From the very start, he was engaged, motivated, and eager to learn as much as possible about the industry.
 
“As an apprentice, Dale has been diligent and conscientious, consistently pushing himself to develop his skills and knowledge to the highest standard. This has been clearly reflected in his weekly performance in class. What has been particularly impressive is his ability to encourage and motivate others within the group, contributing positively to the overall learning environment.
 
“Dale has achieved to a very high level and demonstrates all the characteristics and attributes needed to succeed at the top of the gas industry. He is a credit to 0800 and an excellent example of how it is possible to retrain at any stage and fully commit to the opportunity.”

Heating and renewable specialists 0800 Repair were amongst the winners at this year’s Regional Energy Efficiency Awards (North West) 2026 held in Bolton.
 
0800 Repair is one of three installers as part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority ECO4 Flex project that were recognised in the Regional Large Scale Project (>250K) of the Year. Other partners include Improveasy and Next Energy Solutions Limited.
 
The awards recognise best practice within the energy saving and efficiency sector and organisations compete in 13 categories.
 
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) created a framework in 2023 so that vulnerable households could access energy company funded insulation and upgraded heating with their homes. The ten local authorities within the Combined Authority helped to identify fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures.
 
The GMCA appointed three installers onto the framework to provide installation in ten council areas. 0800/PHS was selected to work in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
 
Services required by GMCA asked installers to develop, deliver and manage a holistic LA Flex service for households and installations included: insulation works, low carbon heating systems, renewable energy installations, heating system upgrades and repairs, draught proofing.
 
In the ‘Large Scale Project of the Year’ category, where energy efficiency measures of more than £250,000 have been installed, companies and projects had to demonstrate delivery of a successful large scale energy saving project, while maintaining excellent customer service that demonstrates a high standard of quality workmanship throughout the project.
 
Between April 2023 and April 2025, 0800 Repair installed at 998 properties and contributed £40,000 in social value to each of the four GMCA areas. Between April 2025 to date, 0800 Repair has completed 357 installations on the ECO4 and GBIS scheme, which works out on average, installation of 2.5 measures per property and an average annual bill saving of £517 per property.
 
Erik Coates, Energy Services Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in these awards for our work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the delivery of the ECO4 Flex project.
 
“We have a long-established relationship with the GMCA and are incredibly proud to deliver energy saving measures to customers’ homes in Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. This is wonderful news and congratulations to all involved.”
 
Tina Gandhi, Principal Environmental Strategy Officer within the GM Environment Team at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “We’re delighted to win the Regional Large-Scale Project of the Year at the Regional Energy Efficiency Awards for our ECO4 Flex Scheme. We were up against some excellent contenders, which makes this win all the more meaningful.
 
“We are incredibly proud of the project, but even more proud of the partnership behind it. All three companies, 0800 Repair, Next Energy and Improveasy, have been an absolute joy to work with. Their professionalism, the teams’ hard work, and the genuinely collaborative way we’ve delivered this scheme together has made all the difference. Thank you, truly. Thank you so much for all your hard work.”

North East housing provider, North Star Housing Group has awarded a new 5-year heating servicing and maintenance contract to heating and renewable specialists 0800 Repair.
 
The £2.5 million contract will see 0800 Repair deliver heating services to North Star’s 3,500 homes across the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, County Durham, and Tyne and Wear areas. 0800 Repair will deliver a fully compliant, 24/7 heating service including annual statutory servicing, landlord gas safety record, safety checks and responsive repairs.
 
The contract was awarded via a competitive tender using ProcurePlus’ Installation and Repair Framework – North East, Yorkshire and Humberside 2024 Lot 5 – Heating. The framework includes regionalised Lots for the North East and for Yorkshire and Humberside and includes all heating and maintenance works.
 
The firm which specialises in insulation, heating and renewable energy solutions for homes across the UK has been delivering heating repairs services to North Star’s customers for the last four years, with a great first time fix rate on repairs and over 90% customer satisfaction score across both workstreams. 
 
Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a place on North Star’s framework with a contract for the next five years. We are very passionate about supporting and working in collaboration with our landlord partners across the North East and we look forward to working with North Star’s customers who have reported high levels of satisfaction with our service.”
 
Adam Pearce, Head of Property and Compliance at North Star Housing Group, said: “We are pleased to award this contract to 0800 Repair following a competitive procurement process. They have already demonstrated strong performance delivering heating repairs for our customers, with high satisfaction levels and a strong first-time fix rate. This new contract will ensure our homes remain safe, warm and fully compliant, while continuing to provide a responsive and reliable service for our customers.”