Partner Article

Repair business reveals ambitious plans

AFTER a successful first year in business, a North East firm is set to take on a new market as it plans to launch over 150 frachises across the country.

Chester-le-Street-based appliance repair firm 0800 Repair made a splash last year when its engineers began work across the country, driving to jobs in their yellow and black branded vans complete with seven-foot screwdrivers on the top.

The company fixes all manner of domestic appliances from dishwashers and washing machines to cookers and vacuum cleaners, and is now moving into another domestic market – gas repairs.

With the appointment of former British Gas service manager Phil Pallister, 28, from Willington, 0800 Repair plans to build on the reputation it has with the public for quick and efficient household repairs, and make the move into the domestic gas industry.

Phil takes up his role as the new managing director of 0800 Repair’s gas services this month. He said: “0800 Repair is an expanding business, and this is the perfect time to join.

Since joining the firm in July, I have already had some success in winning some major private sector contracts.

“There’s just too much confusion at the moment with local plumbers and repairmen – one price for a call-out, then different prices for the first hour of work, and changing prices after that. We offer fixed priced labour and repairs and breakdowns, making it much easier for the customer. Now that we can offer gas installation repairs, we’re a one-stop shop for the public” he added.

0800 Repair’s gas services arm will employ around half a dozen people in the North East and the firm intends to take on more staff as demand grows.

Phil believes that customer demand will determine the direction of the business. He said: “We will always use feedback from our customers and utilise information to make changes – ensuring safety and customer satisfaction is at the heart of our business.

“This approach will allow us to expand the gas services business out of the North East, bringing 0800 Repair’s reputation to as many people as possible.”

The North East will be the first region to roll out the gas model across the country, with the appointment of its first gas engineer, John Jones this week. John will cover the Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Washington, Durham and Darlington area.

Other regions will follow with a growing team of gas engineers across the UK. 0800 Repair was born in July 2009 after a rebrand of its previous operation JTM Contracts. Founded by experienced engineers, the company is part of the Pacifica Group, also based in Chester-le-Street, which provides and sells warranties for domestic appliances.

Currently turning over £14m, 0800 Repair hopes to grow this figure to £25m in the next five years. The company is built on the concept of having employees, franchisees and approved sub-contractors and hopes to develop a further 150 franchises over the next three years.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .