PHS, the parent company of 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy Services has appointed Mark Kearney as director of a soon-to-be launched division of PHS solutions.
 
The new arm of the business will build on the current capabilities of 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy, with the new division to complete a more holistic offering of capital works across the residential and commercial sectors.
 
Mark, who brings over 25 years’ experience in the housing and construction sectors, joins the firm to lead the company’s new division. A post-graduate RICS Quantity Surveyor, Mark has held senior leadership roles across a range of regeneration and new build projects throughout the North of England, previously working for Engie (Keepmoat) and Wates Construction.  
 
In his new role, Mark will be responsible for launching and growing this division within PHS Solutions. The move builds on the established reputations of 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy, with a view to offering customers both domestic and commercial, a seamless, full-service experience.
 
Mark said: “I’m proud to be joining PHS at such a pivotal point in its growth. PHS Solutions represents a real opportunity to broaden what we can offer our customers, and I’m excited to be leading a team that’s focused on the Customer, quality and innovation.”
 
Phil Pallister, CEO at PHS, 0800 Repair and Oakes, said: “Mark’s deep expertise and leadership in the sector make him the perfect person to drive this next chapter. With the launch of this new branch, PHS will, for the first time, be able to bid for projects previously out of reach under our 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy brands. This expansion enables us to fulfil our commitment to providing reliable, end-to-end service for all our customers.”
 
The division has already secured a 10-year framework with Gentoo as part of the Gentogether Partnership for whole house refurbishments and is looking to build on the existing strong customer base of the wider group.
 
Jason Oakes, a director at PHS said: “We’re delighted to have Mark join us and be part of our growing team at PHS. His arrival comes at an exciting time as we expand our new division, which will be central to delivering our 10-year framework with Gentoo. Working with partners, our team will play a key role in improving the energy efficiency and quality of homes across Sunderland.”

0800 Repair is proud to be a key delivery partner in Gentogether — a landmark £170 million partnership led by Gentoo to improve thousands of homes across Sunderland over the next decade.
 
Alongside regional partners ESH and RE:GEN, we will be working to deliver essential energy efficiency upgrades that support Gentoo’s wider ambition for a greener, more sustainable future. This includes the installation of advanced insulation, low-carbon technologies, and green energy systems to help residents lower their energy usage and reduce household emissions.
 
Gentogether is more than just an investment in properties, it’s a commitment to people, places, and the planet. With over £32 million in estimated social value being generated, the partnership is designed to benefit local communities by creating employment and supporting long-term economic growth in the region.
 
At 0800 Repair, we’ve long been passionate about helping people live in warmer, more efficient homes, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to make a real difference on a large scale.
 
Phil Pallister, Managing Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Gentogether partnership and to play a key role in improving the energy efficiency and quality of homes across Sunderland. This contract represents a major milestone for 0800 Repair; so much so that we’re launching a dedicated department to focus solely on delivering the Gentoo contract. It’s a significant investment in our people and our region, and we’re excited to contribute to a partnership that prioritises community, sustainability, and long-term impact.”

0800 Repair is proud to have played a part in Gentoo Group’s largest Easter appeal to date – a campaign that brought much-needed relief to hundreds of families across Sunderland.
 
This year, generous donations from Gentoo colleagues and 26 partners, including 0800 Repair, made it possible to deliver Easter hampers packed with food staples like pasta, cereal, and rice, along with essential toiletries and a few chocolate treats to spread some seasonal joy. The hampers were delivered just in time for the Easter weekend, offering real help to those feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.
 
Gentoo launched this initiative after listening to its customers, who shared their personal struggles around rising living costs. More than 30% said putting food on the table was one of their biggest concerns.
 
Chris Roberts, Gentoo’s Director of Customer, said: “I am blown away by the generosity of colleagues and partners. We have been inundated with donations from people and companies who were so eager to support our customers. We know that our customers can encounter financial difficulties through no fault of their own leaving people in a position where they struggle to pay for food or ensure bills are paid on time. This act of kindness from our partners and colleagues will make a huge difference to so many of our customers across Sunderland.
On behalf of Gentoo, I would like to thank everyone who made this our biggest Easter appeal yet.”
 
Phil Pallister, Managing Director at 0800 Repair said:
“Supporting our communities is part of our DNA at 0800 Repair. We’re proud to stand alongside Gentoo and the other brilliant partners involved. These small acts of kindness go a long way, and we’re committed to doing our part to help ease the pressure on families during challenging times.”

PHS foundation, a new charity initiative, set up by the parent company of Oakes Energy and 0800 Repair, has officially launched with a £5000 donation to Stanley based charity, Mixit Days. 
 
This milestone marks a new chapter of community-driven support by PHS and its companies. Mixit Days is an inspiring theatre and pop group, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through social engagement and inclusive activities.
 
The team from 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy joined the Mixit Days community for a morning filled with learning, connection, and an up-close look at the vital work they do.
The visit to Mixit Days allowed team members to witness first-hand the charity’s impact, engaging with members and seeing how the funds would be used.
 
Jason Oakes, Director at PHS said: “We believe businesses have a responsibility to give back. The launch of the PHS Foundation is just the beginning of our journey to support and strengthen communities. We want to be more than just a business operating in these areas, we want to be an active and engaged part of them, giving back to the people who support us.
 
“Mixit Days is a fantastic organisation that truly embodies inclusion and creativity, helping people build confidence and connections. Our donation reflects our dedication to making a meaningful and lasting impact. But this is only the start, we are committed to supporting more local charities and projects that change lives for the better. We look forward to collaborating with more inspiring groups to create a stronger, more connected community.”
 
John Hails, Director at Mixit Days said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the PHS Foundation. This donation will make a real difference to our members, allowing us to expand our activities and continue creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
 
“It’s heartening to see businesses like PHS, invest in communities and truly care about the people they are helping.”

A group of employees from 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy Services have recently completed their Highfield Level 2 Award in Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health (RQF).
 
Following the training, the 8 employees are now certified mental health first aiders, marking a significant step forward in the companies’ commitment to employee wellbeing.
 
The newly qualified mental health first aiders will serve as dedicated points of contact within the workforce, offering support and guidance to colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health. Their role is to recognise early signs of distress, be there to listen to colleagues, and direct individuals toward professional support when needed.
 
The initiative aims to break down stigmas around mental health in the workplace, fostering a more open and supportive environment. The mental health first aiders will not only provide direct support but also promote awareness, encouraging colleagues to seek help without fear of judgment.
 
Carla Armstrong, HR Manager of 0800 Repair and Oakes Energy Services said: “Having trained Mental Health First Aiders within our business is a crucial step in ensuring that our employees’ mental wellbeing is taken as seriously as their physical health. We want to create a workplace where people feel safe discussing their mental health and know they have support available when they need it.”