A new M for Manchester logo has been unveiled at the MIPIM conference in Cannes. It was designed by Peter Saville, Hacienda co-founder and leading UK designer, who I’ve met a few times. It will be used only in conjunction with high profile events and products, and is intended to tie in with Peter’s ‘original modern’ summing up of Manchester.

I searched in vain for an image of it on the web. The only reproduction I’ve seen is a tiny black and white photo of it in an article in the Manchester Evening News of Saturday 18 March page 6, The Diary. The M appears to be five overlaid neon M’s of different colours and looks quite attractive. But can a logo sell a city?

Will the M stick in peoples minds and make them want to visit Manchester or do business here? Or are there some more fundamental questions to be addressed, like Manchester’s fragmented municipal identity and public transport system?

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This is not the first Manchester M. In this composite image I’ve assembled some Manchester M’s currently visible around Manchester city centre - The Greater Manchester Transport ‘computer circuit board’ M, designed in the early 70’s, is still in use today. The MEN Arena has a distinctive branding with cleverly arranged initials seen on road signs around the city.

Another Manchester M, designed prior to 1992, is the Metrolink M, which looks like an early attempt at computer-aided design. Giant stainless steel M’s serve as billboard ad sites around Manchester city centre.