Why do we need this policy?

Manchester Pride is committed to working with those organisations which seek to support the modern Pride movement and the campaign for greater equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people. 

It’s important to us that any organisation we work with displays understanding, supports and in the best case shares our values. 

We feel it is important to outline the principles of our commercial engagement policy to attract the right types of partners and to reassure our communities of the processes in place to review the potential for any new partnership that supports or contributes towards the delivery of our events and initiatives. 

Commercial Revenue Income Streams

In order to deliver our events, activities and achieve our charity objectives Manchester Pride must generate income through commercial revenue streams. These currently include:

• Corporate Sponsorship - Income received froman organisation which sponsors a specific initiative or charity function at Manchester Pride.
• Event Sponsorship -  Income received from an organisation paying for the right to become an official sponsor at Manchester Pride events.
• Commercial Parade Entry Fee -  Income received from an organisation paying to take part in The Manchester Pride Parade.
• Concession and Trader’s Fees -  Income received fromcompanies paying to provide concessions or trade stands/stalls at Manchester Pride events.
• Event Ticket Sales - Income received from the sale of tickets to Manchester Pride events. 
• Merchandise Sales - Income received from the sale of Manchester Pride merchandise.
• All Equals Charter Fee -  Income received from an organisation paying for membership or accreditation with the All Equals Charter. 

The revenue generated from our commercial activities is used to deliver our events and initiatives and supports the delivery of our community grants programme. 

Principles of Engagement

Here at Manchester Pride we strive to work with organisations that demonstrate ethical, environmental and social responsibility. We will only work with those organisations that are compliant with UK legal and regulatory requirements. 

Prior to entering into an agreement with any new commercial partner or affiliate an exercise of due diligence is carried out. We take steps to clearly identify the key objectives of the organisation that wishes to work with us. 

At least two of the following criteria must be met:

• The organisation wishes to publicly support the campaign for greater LGBTQ+ equality 
• The organisation is planning activity with Manchester Pride to support its LGBTQ+ employees
• The organisation is aligned with and supports the aims of the Modern Pride Movement 

Where an organisation wishes to promote their product or service to our communities through an activation or promotional campaign with Manchester Pride; they must pledge membership to the All Equals Charter - a Manchester Pride initiative designed to help organisations recognise, challenge and end discrimination against the intersectional identities of LGBTQ+ people.

Manchester Pride Parade

Where a commercial or corporate organisation applies to take part in the parade, the primary purpose must be to support the march for LGBTQ+ equality.

Any successful applicant must explain how their organisation supports the LGBTQ+ community year round. 

If participants wear branded clothing whilst taking part in the parade, any items should clearly display the freedom / progress flag and the logo for their internal staff network in favour of a standard brand logo.

Any banners / placards must be directly related to the theme for the parade and not a banner / placard to promote products or services. 

Commercial merchandising and brand activation activity is not permitted from within the Parade. 

This policy was reviewed as outlined in the Pride In Our Future Report 2022 and was published on 30th April 2022. It will be reviewed annually.