EF News
From running the family business to sitting on the boards of several organisations, Mark Squires has packed plenty into his colourful career. Now, he’s channelling that experience into The Lighthouse Project – a community initiative in the heart of Byker…
When Mark Squires stepped down as CEO of Benfield Motor Group in 2015, he wasn’t retiring. In fact, he jokes that he’s still waiting to find out what retirement looks like. “When friends ask how I’m enjoying it, I say, ‘No idea – I’ll let you know when it do,’” he laughs.
Leaving Benfield wasn’t a decision taken lightly. “It was our family business, I didn’t imagine concluding my 23-year career there quite so early,” he explains. However, when the opportunity arose to sell Benfield to Lookers, the timing felt right. Mark explains, “We weren’t looking to sell, but when the offer came, it felt like a rare opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Looking back, I’m still very happy with that decision.”
The immediate aftermath of leaving Benfield saw Mark establish St Ebba Capital, the family investment office. This new venture has kept him intellectually engaged and introduced him to the intricate world of investments and capital markets. Yet despite the satisfaction derived from this role, Mark admits, “What’s always been important to me is the opportunity to give back to the community that’s given our family
so much.”
That desire to contribute meaningfully has led him to a series of impactful roles. Beyond his duties at St Ebba, he served as a senior governor at NCG (formerly Newcastle College Group), was involved with the Prince’s Trust, chaired the National Franchised Dealers Association, and still chairs the Educational Trust at Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School. But among these numerous roles, it’s the Lighthouse Project in Byker where his passion really comes to life.
Mark’s introduction to the Lighthouse Project began following a conversation with his cousin Rachel. The project, based in the semi-derelict St Michael’s Church, quickly resonated on a deeply personal level. “My family has deep roots in Byker,” Mark reflects. “My grandparents were married in St Michael’s Church, my father was baptised there, and our family business had its first ever garage just down the street.”
Upon visiting the church, he saw a community full of energy and potential – but seriously lacking in places for young people to spend time. Most youth work was happening on the streets because there just weren’t any proper facilities. As Reverend Phil Medley, who chairs the project’s trustees, showed him around, something he said really stuck with Mark. “Phil mentioned that when the doors to the building were open, young people flooded in, simply because they had nowhere else to go. That hit me hard.”
The challenge was clear to Mark: while vision was abundant, he could see both structure and strategy were missing and that’s when he offered to get involved. His business acumen, honed through years leading a major automotive group, proved invaluable to the project. “I said to Phil, ‘Your vision is great, but it seems to me you are lacking a clear plan and a robust structure to make this a reality’,” he recalls. A series of coffees and conversations quickly evolved into Mark becoming deeply embedded in the project, bringing clarity, drive and his commercial expertise to the initiative.
Now, five years later, the Lighthouse Project is officially open, having transformed St Michael’s Church into a world-class youth and community hub. With a £4.2 million government grant secured through the Youth Investment Fund, alongside significant contributions from a number of key local corporate funders, including the Squires Foundation (known previously as the Benfield Motors Charitable Trust) a UK‑registered grant‑making charity founded by Mark’s father John, the centre is positioned to become a beacon for young people and families in Byker.
“We haven’t just renovated a church, we are looking to build aspiration and opportunity,” says Mark proudly. “It’s about giving young people a space they deserve, facilities that inspire them, and pathways into a brighter future.”
Community response, initially sceptical, has turned to excitement as residents see the project becoming a reality. “The people in Byker were quite sceptical at first, because they’ve been made so many promises down the years by this or that. And things didn’t materialise,”
Mark explains. “So that was probably their reaction until the doors opened. But those who’ve come across us and who we’ve been talking to – we’ve had a fantastic response.
“One youngster walked through the door last week from one of the local schools. He couldn’t believe what the place was like. He said, 'Is this a five-star luxury hotel?’ That’s exactly the kind of response we wanted.
“We’re now in that exciting phase of working with lots of partners to bring the building to life – from open-access youth clubs and eSports teams to every primary school child taking part in our new woodland Forest School,” says Mark. “And that’s just the start. There are plans for music, arts and crafts, counselling services, a community cinema... the list goes on,” he adds, smiling.
But the centre is much more than just a place to have fun. “It’s not just wayabout entertainment,” he explains. “It’s about creating aspiration – helping young people build their self-esteem, confidence and life skills. A space where they can grow, belong, and start to see what’s possible.”
Success for the Lighthouse Project, according to Mark, extends far beyond a beautifully refurbished building. In five years, he hopes the centre will welcome more than 1,500 young people annually, offering them not only a place for recreation but critical support in developing life skills and aspirations. Partnerships with companies like British Engines and Ringtons illustrate the project’s commitment to creating employment pathways, mentoring opportunities, and lasting community relationships, alongside their financial commitments to the project.
“We’re not just providing a space,” he emphasises. “We’re offering the chance to build confidence, gain skills, and see life choices they never considered possible.”
Reflecting on the journey, Mark recognises how the skills developed at Benfield have been instrumental in the project’s success. He describes himself modestly as “just a trustee,” but it’s clear his role has been catalytic, combining commercial expertise with social good. He passionately encourages other entrepreneurs to do the same, arguing convincingly that the real legacy of any successful entrepreneur lies not in profit margins, but in impact on people and community.
“Don’t underestimate what your business skills can achieve beyond profit,” he urges. “Writing a cheque is easy – but investing your experience and passion can change lives. And that’s hugely rewarding!”
The Lighthouse Project brings that belief to life. It’s not just a community centre, but a symbol of what’s possible when entrepreneurial spirit meets genuine compassion.
For Mark, this isn’t retirement, this is a new chapter defined by purpose, passion, and profound community impact.
