Trio of new signings for Beacon of Light

Beacon of Light has made a hat-trick of new signings, after launching a new scheme to support businesses from across the region.

The ultimate community hub is not only the home of Sunderland AFC's official charity, it is also the pillar of the Sunderland community.

We welcome thousands of visitors to the Beacon each and every week and to allow businesses to tap into the venue's popularity, we have launched a new Shirt Tile display, inspired by former Sunderland AFC retro shirt designs.

The tiles – which will be displayed prominently in the main foyer of the building – proudly sport the logo of business sponsors and can be purchased for £1,000, with the proceeds supporting the multi-use venue.

Three Sunderland businesses have been quick to sign up and show their support, with their shirt tiles now fixed pride of place opposite the welcome desk.

Woofs and Scruffs, a doggy day centre based in Stack Seaburn; Rorack Shipping, a vehicle shipping firm based at Quay West and Bim73, which offers precision digital engineering services from its North East base have all invested in a Shirt Tile, and they’re urging more businesses to do the same to lend their support to a venue that has such a positive impact on the community it serves.

Mark and David Potts-Brown, co-owners of Woofs and Scruffs, are pleased to be able to give something back to the community by supporting the Beacon of Light.

David said: “I think it’s really important for us to support the Foundation, and the great work that is done at the Beacon of Light.  We wanted to be part of that.”

Mark added: “The Foundation does so much. From education, tackling loneliness and mental health.

“People don’t realise what the Beacon of Light is all about, and it’s really good to be able to support it to do such good work.

“It’s an absolute joy to come in, see smiling faces of people using the Beacon and know where that funding goes.”

Rorack Shipping has been looking at sponsorship options within the Beacon of Light for some time, with the Shirt Tile representing the perfect opportunity.

Tim Finlay, of Rorack Shipping said: “The Shirt Tile is a great option for us to give a little something back to the community, through the work the Foundation does, while promoting our business too.

“You do get perks and benefits, but really, it’s a selfless thing, that helps the North East.”

Ian Cutter from BIM73 was also quick to get his business on board.  He said: “There are so many events here, and people walking around, seeing the company logo on the Shirt and Boot tile. It gets my business noticed.

“Anything I can put into the Beacon to benefit the community is definitely worth it. I hope others get involved and support the Beacon of Light.”

The Shirt Tiles are available for £1,000 plus VAT, providing a more prominent alternative to Boot Tiles, which have been on sale for some time for £250 plus VAT.

Jamie Wright, Managing Director at the Foundation of Light, said: “The support we have from businesses like Woofs N Scruffs, Rorack Shipping and BIM73 is a vital contributor to the Beacon, supporting a venue that makes such a huge impact on so many lives.

“We’re enormously grateful to our supporters.”

To secure a Shirt Tile, contact Francesca Regan, Commercial Sales Manager on 0191 563 4761 or email Francesca.regan@foundationoflight.co.uk.