Member Article

North East festive focus: Phil Pallister, 0800 Repair Gas

Ahead of North East firms shutting up shop in time for a well-earned festive break, we’re quickly catching up with a few of the region’s business leaders before their holiday festivities begin.

Today we welcome Phil Pallister, Managing Director of 0800 Repair Gas, to share his thoughts on the year gone by, the region as a whole and what he plans to do this Christmas.

Your Business

If you had to choose one thing - what are you most proud of your company achieving this year, and why?

Completing our move to a new head office in Houghton le Spring, which was a significant investment and one that will help support the Pacifica Group’s ambitious plans for the future.

We are looking to continue to grow each of our brands, including our North East-specific service, 0800 Repair Gas, and our new base puts us in good stead.

What was the single biggest challenge faced by your firm in 2016?

Again, it would have to be the move. It was a long process in housing all our staff into one building, not to mention the complete refurbishment work that was carried out, but it is an investment for the future that is already paying off.

Can you tell us one thing your business is doing in 2017 that really excites you?

We are looking to extend our boiler and central heating arm of the business, 0800 Repair Gas, to the rest of the UK, so we will be pushing on with this expansion. It is a very exciting project and one that, when executed, will create further jobs and boost the Group’s national presence.

Your Region

Which North East firm has impressed you the most this year, and why?

Flame Heating Spares. I’ve known its MD, John Savage, for many years and we have a great working relationship. It’s good to see his company doing so well and he has even bagged a few awards this year, which have been fully deserved.

Are there any emerging businesses in the region that’ve caught your eye this year that you’ve been previously unaware of?

North East Heating, which is now one of our sub-contractors, has impressed me a lot.

Is there an industry or sector of the North East business community which you expect to really take off next year?

Ideally the Heating & Plumbing industry! The sector as a whole is in a strong position, I believe, and I think the insulation aspect has the potential to take off.

Yourself

What was your first job?

An engineer for British Gas.

If you weren’t doing what you do, is there a job you’d love to have?

Aside from being a professional sportsman, nothing at all except living a stress-free life. Perhaps a fisherman on a nice estate!

What do you do on Christmas day?

Celebrate and spend time with my family – either at my Mam’s or partner’s.

Thanks Phil.

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