It’s a ‘PAT’ on the back for The Salvation Army’s Phil

The Salvation Army in Leigh-on-Sea has added electrical testing to its in-house expertise thanks to Mark One Hire, an Essex-based equipment hire and training provider. Phil Davis from the Glendale Gardens/Elm Road church completed Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) training at one of the company’s local centres. 

The complimentary training means Phil, administrator at the church and charity, can now complete PAT tests on electrical equipment used at the church, its charity shop and other Salvation Army locations locally. This newly acquired skill is already making it much easier and less expensive to ensure equipment used by staff, volunteers and visitors is compliant with health and safety requirements. 

Mark One Hire’s “45 for 45” community commitment, celebrates the company’s 45 years serving the Essex community. During 2026, the business is supporting 45 local community projects by offering practical help such as free training and equipment hire to charities and not-for-profit organisations. 

Phil Davis said: “I am very grateful to Mark One Hire for providing this training. With in-house skills it will be much easier to maintain our equipment in the church and the charity shop where we can also start selling a select few electrical products. It saves us money and supports the work we do for people in the local community.” 

Sam Barnes, digital innovation and marketing manager at Mark One Hire said: “The 45 for 45 community commitments are our way of giving back to the community we call home. We’re especially pleased to support organisations such as The Salvation Army as part of these commitments. They already do so much to help the local community, and we wanted to give back in a way that helps them continue their great work.” 

The Salvation Army in Leigh-on-Sea runs a number of activities throughout the week for the community including a carpet bowls club on Tuesday afternoons, a parent and toddler group on Friday mornings during term time and a rambling group on Saturday mornings. For more information, go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/leigh-sea