What is Umbro Industries all about?
Umbro Industries is geared towards giving Manchester-based innovators a financial helping hand, whether that be for an exhibition, a gig, a club night or other creative project.
Umbro has 85 years of heritage in Greater Manchester making and creating iconic football and sportswear apparel, footwear and equipment and we want to support creative energy in the Manchester area by giving it the financial clout needed for it to bloom.
How is the money distributed?
The money is distributed evenly every three months, with periods of activity split into quarters and £10 000 given out each quarter.
Quarter 1 (Autumn) ran from September to October 2009.
Quarter 2 (Winter) ran from November to January 2010.
Quarter 3 (Spring) ran from February to April 2010.
Quarter 4 (Summer) ran from June to August 2010.
Following quarters will follow a similar pattern - for definite dates on the latest quarter, please take a look at the News page of this site.
When do I need to apply by?
The deadline for the current quarter will be stated in the News page on this site.
If I'm unsuccessful in one quarter, can I re-apply in the next quarter?
Yes, prior to the application process re-opening, you'll be sent an email asking if you want to resubmit your application. It's then up to you if you want to resubmit your application as it is, tweak it or change it altogether!
How many winners are there each quarter?
There is no fixed number of winners. There is £10 000 to go round each quarter and this will be distributed as the panel see fit.
How much should we apply for?
You can apply for anything up to £10 000 but bear in mind that the higher you go, the more you will be scrutinised on how you intend to spend the money.
Who are the panel?
Mike Pickering, former Hacienda DJ, head of the soon-to-be-relaunched Deconstruction records and all-round Manchester institution.
Kevin Cummins, celebrated photographer, noted for his stellar portraits of David Bowie, The Smiths, Joy Division and the like.
Dave Rofe, also a former record-slinger at the Hac and now manager of Doves and Cherry Ghost, not to mention chairperson of the Manchester District Music Archive.
Mark Farrow, graphic design godhead and creator of some of the most iconic and eye-catching record sleeves of our time, most notably his unique work for Spiritualized and Pet Shop Boys.
David Pullan, Chief Marketing Officer for Manchester City and member of the club's 'executive leadership team’.
Trevor Cairns, Chief Marketing Officer for Umbro and the brains behindlast year's Live From City launch for City's new tailored kit.
Do the votes on the website count?
The voting aspect of Umbroindustries.com is an important tool for the panel to utilise. If you are shouting about your project and it has great backing from the public, this may impress the judges. However, votes alone do not directly impact the panel’s decision.
What are the panel looking for?
Umbro Industries is a long-term commitment to creativity and innovation in Manchester and if your idea is fresh, your drive and devotion to create are infectious and enough people get what you’re about then they will get behind it.