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The community-driven city brand and iconic symbol of civic pride championing Manchester by spotlighting people, projects and promotions.
This is the story of how a simple graphic design idea became a powerful symbol of civic pride for Greater Manchester.
It all began in 2011, when riots hit Manchester and Salford. At that moment, we saw the damage being done to the city we love. Rather than fighting fire with fire, we chose love and out of carnage came creativity.
Inspired by Tony Wilson’s legendary civic pride and the success of New York’s “I Love NY” campaign, we knew that Manchester needed a unifying symbol, something that represented the city’s resilience, spirit and community. I Love MCR became that symbol. We posted it on social media, and it quickly spread, gathering thousands of followers and inspiring volunteers to clean up the damage left behind by the riots.
People across Greater Manchester adopted the I Love MCR logo as a way to show love and solidarity. Local businesses, charities and even Manchester City Council rallied behind the campaign. The ubiquitous logo appeared everywhere, from posters and billboards to shop windows, and merchandise sales raised thousands for local charities. According to the Local Enterprise Partnership, the campaign helped boost the local economy by over £1 million.
But I Love MCR was always more than a logo. It became a community-driven brand, committed to championing Manchester’s culture, creativity and spirit. We shared inspiring stories, supported good causes and helped local businesses bounce back. We filled a gap in the market for positive news and affordable advertising, but above all, we stayed true to our core values: spreading love and optimism.
In 2017, the Manchester Arena attack shook the city to its core. Twenty-two innocent people lost their lives. Once again, the I Love MCR symbol became a sign of defiance, unity and compassion. It was held up at vigils and projected on the global stage. How the city found love through the brand was palpable. Merchandise sales raised funds for those affected, and our message reached every corner of the world.
From those first days in 2011 to the present, our city has faced dark times more than once. I Love MCR has always been about uniting people and constantly celebrating what makes Manchester special. Our brand has become a symbol of community, pride and hope, a testament to the power of coming together even in the toughest times.
What do we do?
What's occuring?
I Love MCR is an independent media and advertising company based in the heart of Manchester.
At I Love Manchester, we are a trusted city brand and platform that celebrates the people, places, and projects making our city better. Through positive and meaningful storytelling, we showcase the vibrant culture and community spirit of Greater Manchester. We create original content that supports local events and grassroots initiatives, inspiring pride in the city. Whether sharing unique community stories or covering live events, we connect and inform an audience who truly care about Manchester.
We are a community-focused, independent media and advertising company, proudly representing the spirit of Manchester. Our mission is to promote life across Greater Manchester, grow the local economy, and improve lives and prospects throughout the region. Using a mix of media, we highlight the best of the city – from community groups and charities to not-for-profits and local projects – helping both residents and visitors discover what makes Manchester so special.
As a purpose-driven brand, we’re here to connect people, support good causes, and strengthen community spirit. Every day, we share inspiring stories that inform, uplift and unite.
We use digital marketing, social media and outdoor media to promote businesses and raise awareness for local initiatives. We are also proud to support local charities and communities.
We champion those who make things happen, help the local economy grow and show the world what makes Manchester unique.
We tell stories with heart, sell ideas with soul, and speak like normal people.
Manchester’s strength is its people, and our job is to make them feel seen and celebrated.
We’re not just posting. We’re representing.
Want to advertise in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place.
Our Mission
While the national news often spreads negativity and fear, I Love Manchester exists to uplift, inspire, and celebrate everything that makes our city great. We’re proud to be a positive publication – sharing the good stuff that brings people together, sparks civic pride, and shows the world what Manchester is really about.
I Love MCR reaches people across Greater Manchester and beyond through feel-good stories, local heroes, community champions, and the people making a difference. We shine a light on grassroots projects, charities, and unsung Mancunian legends, while also championing culture, lifestyle, food and drink, business, and the property scene.
By sharing what’s great about Manchester – and amplifying the voices that deserve to be heard – we’re not just promoting positivity, we’re helping put Manchester on the world stage and contributing to a stronger local economy.
Because we don’t just love Manchester. We believe in it.
Using a combination of digital and media, we advertise and market Manchester businesses by targeting different demographics and interests in a huge captive audience. From editorial and email marketing to video and digital billboards, we connect the right people.
Brand Values
The I Love MCR brand is about bringing people together through shared positive values, no matter who they are or where they come from. Our values aren’t just what we believe – they guide how we think, how we act, and the way we choose to make a difference in our city every day.
We’re proud to call Greater Manchester home, and we’re committed to helping make it an even better place to live, work and enjoy.
We care about people. We celebrate what brings us together - shared values, mutual support and a sense of belonging.
We stand together. Our aim is to unite the people of Greater Manchester and help everyone feel part of something bigger.
Manchester has faced tough times, but our community always finds a way to adapt, recover and keep going with strength and spirit.
We believe everyone should feel welcome. That means making space for all people, especially those who are often overlooked or left out.
We look forward with hope. We focus on what’s good, respond with optimism and shine a light on the things that move Manchester forward.
Sustainability pledge
Social Responsibility
The I Love Manchester charity campaign raises vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester. Assets and revenue from the I Love MCR advertising and marketing department are used to fundraise which means that more money goes directly to great causes.
What’s more, 100% of profit from the I Love MCR Shop is donated to our beneficiary charity. The fund is shared across a diverse array of Greater Manchester based community groups and causes as and when it’s needed the most. Learn more >>
Declare your love for Manchester and show the world what the city stands for with our I Love Manchester merchandise, Manchester gifts and souvenirs available from the online Manchester shop. Natural materials, renewable energy and products made the right way. What’s more, 100% of profit is donated to our charity partner. Get the mug and the t-shirt.
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