Limited edition watches launched to raise money for Manchester’s young people

The must-have gift for any Mancunian this Christmas

By Steven Pankhurst | Last updated 27 April 2017

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The must-have gift for any Mancunian this Christmas

A Mancunian entrepreneur has launched Socio Watch Co, believed to be the world’s first social enterprise watch company. The brainchild of Liam Manton (29) from Collyhurst, the company has produced, ‘The Manchester Collection’. The company’s first unisex collection, it includes three limited edition watches, with money from the sales going to the SOCIO Foundation in partnership with the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s charity We Love MCR to support arts programmes in schools, breakfast clubs for young people and entrepreneurship initiatives to help children from disadvantaged communities in Manchester.

The watches are available in three designs that focus on the City’s football teams (The Kippax and The Stretford) and Manchester’s music heritage (The Whitworth), making ideal gifts for anyone with a passion for football or the 80s indie music scene. With only 300 available in each design, they are set to become collector’s items and a must-have for any Mancunian.

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Liam Manton, Director of Socio Watch Co said:

The Manchester Collection pays homage to the vibrant music and football culture which has shaped the streets of Manchester, ran through the veins of Mancunians and all those who have passed through this once cottonopolis of the North.

“I’m passionate about Manchester and been involved in several fund raising initiatives for charities in the past and for this project I’ve teamed up with the We Love MCR charity, who will run the fund for me. I’m from North Manchester and particularly wanted to help young people from disadvantage inner-city communities have a better start in life. Food poverty is a big issue in Manchester with 1 in 4 students attending school without having had a decent meal. By buying a watch for yourself or as a gift, people can help make a difference.”

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, said: “This is a welcome initiative by a community minded entrepreneur from Manchester.

“The We Love MCR Charity supports a number of projects across Manchester to benefit its local residents and communities. Liam’s new initiative is a fantastic way of supporting and raising awareness of the charity which strives to improve the lives of the people of Manchester.”

Only available on line at www.sociomcr.com and priced at £54.99. £5 from every purchase goes direct to the We Love MCR charity.