ONE of the region’s most high-profile business figures has urged companies to back a £15m appeal by Sunderland AFC's charity wing to build a community education centre.

John Mowbray, a former director at Northumbrian Water, and past President of the North East Chamber of Commerce, has chaired the Foundation of Light’s development board for three years. He believes the proposed Beacon of Light centre can further the Foundation’s reach and deliver even more life-changing opportunities.

“We’ve been based at the Stadium of Light since it opened, but we need more space now, we’re a bit squashed in there,” he said.

The Foundation is raising funds to build the £15m Beacon of Light on land next to the Stadium of Light and Sunderland Aquatic Centre. The Beacon will be an education and sports facility and will be designed by architect practices, FaulknerBrowns.

“The Beacon won’t just educate young people, it will help them into work,” said Mr Mowbray, who will become High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear next year.

He added: “Many local businesses have already become corporate members of the Foundation, which costs £250 and raises the profile of firms, as well as giving them some great networking opportunities.

“Or companies might want to get more directly involved in contributing to the Beacon. There will be a range of commercial and corporate opportunities, including naming rights, for firms to take advantage of, as well as a public appeal to support,” he said.

For more information about the Beacon, or the work of the Foundation, go to www.foundationoflight.co.uk