People Make Glasgow during Glasgow 2014

The iconic brand was at the centre of the Commonwealth Games
George Square on a sunny day during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, lots of people are walking around next to the Big G sculpture and the People Make Glasgow Met Tower overlooks the square.

How was PMG created?

In April 2013, the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau encouraged people to get involved in a conversation to shape the new city brand. The brand would represent Glasgow during the Games and beyond.

More than 1,500 people in 42 countries shared their views. The responses emphasised the people are what make Glasgow a great city.

Over 50 of Glasgow’s leaders from the private, public, and academic sectors were also interviewed for their input.

PMG is considered ground-breaking and the world’s first crowd-sourced city brand. No other city had branded itself through social media or recognised its people as its best asset.

People Make Glasgow during the Games

Team Scotland cyclists taking part in the road race during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Cyclist during the road race at Glasgow 2014.
A bridge over the River Clyde in Glasgow which is covered in People Make Glasgow signage.
PMG branding on a bridge over the River Clyde.
A People Make Glasgow branded taxi during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow city centre.
PMG taxis could be spotted during the Games.
Two Host City volunteers with People Make Glasgow merchandise in Glasgow Green during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Host City volunteers during Glasgow 2014.
Four people gathered under four umbrellas, one of the umbrellas is pink and says People Make Glasgow.
PMG umbrellas were also popular.
People walking across a bridge in Glasgow City Centre which has People Make Glasgow branding and signage on it.
PMG branding during the Games.

Activating the People Make Glasgow brand

Glasgow 2014 was the perfect platform to share the recently created People Make Glasgow (PMG) brand with the world.

PMG was at the heart of the city’s Commonwealth Games story. Whether this was on black hack taxis, at Glasgow’s sporting venues or the unmissable wrapping of the Met Tower.

The building overlooking George Square became the focal point for PMG. Global broadcasters featured it as part of their Games coverage.

The brand was immediately endorsed by Glaswegians and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who
travelled to Glasgow for the Games.

A visitor survey during the Games found nearly two-thirds of tourists (60%) were aware of the PMG brand. An incredible 93% of visitors strongly agreed with the statement.

Awareness of PMG was also high among locals. Of those asked, 87% of Glaswegians recognised the brand, with 88% agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement.

An infographic showing People Make Glasgow brand recognition among visitors and local people.

An acclaimed brand ten years on

A new survey was commissioned by Glasgow Life in 2023 to find out people’s views on the PMG brand ten years on.

The results showed the majority of Glasgow’s residents and visitors agree with the brand’s statement.

Almost 80% of Glaswegians still believe the people of Glasgow represent the heart and soul of the city.

The brand has continued to be highly visible at major events in Glasgow. It featured at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships.

People Make Glasgow at recent major events

A group of athletes racing during the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, they are in front of a pink People Make Glasgow advertisting hoarding.
The 1500m at the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships.
Three cyclists racing in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in front of a pink People Make Glasgow advertising hoarding.
Track race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome during the UCI Cycling Worlds.
A pole vaulter attempting a clearance during the World Athletics Indoor Championships, behind the crash mat is a pink People Make Glasgow advertising hoarding.
The pole vault the 2024 World Indoor Athletics Championships.
A barrel which is part of the BMX course at Glasgow Green for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The barrel has a pink People Make Glasgow sign on it.
The BMX course at Glasgow Green during the UCI Cycling Worlds.