JUST days before the start of a new football season, Sunderland-based businessman John Wilson is setting aside his Premier passions to complete a contract with arch rivals Newcastle United.

For John's shopfitting and specialist joinery company has been engaged as a sub-contractor by Ballast Wiltshire to refurbish the chairman's suite at St James' Park.

"Although in football terms Sunderland is my team, the contract at Newcastle provided an excellent business opportunity.

"Installing a top-quality facility at one of the country's finest stadia was something I was more than happy to do."

Since establishing JF Wilson from the spare room at his home three years ago, John's business has expanded rapidly.

Last month, with help from the local office of the North East Chamber of Commerce, his relatively young company completed the takeover of former rivals, 82-year-old Coutts and Findlater - moving into their premises in Hudson Road, Sunderland.

Eight new jobs were created, increasing the staff to 20, and there are plans to start three new apprentices.

"We have a healthy order book for the rest of the year and are working from Fort Will in Scotland to Worthing in Essex," said John.

Sunderland office manager with the Chamber, Peter Gouldsbro, said: " John and his team have worked very hard and deserve their success. I am sure we can continue to support their development.