Derek Beaumont lands surprising new role to oversee £20 million investment

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has taken on a new role, in which he’ll be involved in a £20 million investment in the town of Leigh.

The larger-than-life figure is referred to on the club’s website as “a self-made, successful, mature businessman”, and has been the owner of the club for a decade.

He also owns AB Sundecks, a company that is the title sponsor of the 1895 Cup.

This year, he made headlines by publicly calling out his social media team on Twitter.

However, he’s also taken the side from the RFL Championship to the Super League for the first time, as well as overseeing their first major trophy for 52 years last year with their Challenge Cup victory.

Now, he’s taking on a new role, which is one away from the club.

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Derek Beaumont to oversee £20 million investment

Alongside his role as owner of Leigh Leopards, he’s been invited to join the Leigh Town Board, who have been awarded £20 million over the next decade to invest in the town.

The club have called on members and supporters of the club to complete a survey to ’empower’ Beaumont to be their voice on the board.

Beaumont said after joining: “It is an honour and privilege to be asked to join such an important board for the benefit of our town.

“As most people who know me know, I am extremely passionate about the town of Leigh and its townsfolk.

“I am extremely proud to be able to benefit the town through its focal point of the Leigh Leopards Rugby League Club out of the town’s fantastic facility, Leigh Sports Village.

“This appointment gives me a real opportunity to assist others in making some real positive changes to our town.”

The government has invested in 55 towns across the country with an initiative called ‘Long Term Plan for Towns’, with Leigh one of those selected.

Derek Beaumont will be just one of the members on a board made up of “local community leaders and employers”.