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"Jonathan has photographed International Alert's work in three different continents. He always becomes part of the team, needs a minimum amount of support and delivers stunning images which convey a real sense of humanity."
Phil Vernon
Director of Programmes
International Alert
"Whether on a farm in East Africa, a Trawler in the Atlantic or a Royal Palace in London, Jonathan consistently delivers photography that makes us look good to our clients. "
Paul Campbell
Director of Purple Patch Group
"Quality photography is absolutely essential to our brand. It’s who we are, what we do and the impact we have on the world. And that means working with a photographer like Jonathan, who understands what we are trying to achieve with our work."
THOM MCKAY,
Director of Communications
RTKL.COM
"Jonathan has been a pleasure to work with, professional, well organised, creative and always delivering to the brief. Considering the breadth of topics we have asked him to work on around the world, he has also shown himself to be resourceful and flexible. "
Judith Batchelar,
Director of Sainsbury's Brand
"Jonathan has travelled to Intergen's power plants in Mexico, Australia and Europe and produces consistently high quality photography. Intergen's values are all about a high-quality work force for which we consider him part of. "
Mark Somerset,
Vice President
InterGen Europe
"Waiting on a quote from the British Red Cross "
Wendy Solesbury MBE
Youth Development Manager, British Red Cross
"We work with photographers that try to capture the essence of our work and reflect our company values in terms of design. Jonathan produces excellent results every time with creative flair. He is highly professional to work with as well as personable. "
Sean Collins & James Felstead
Directors of CGL Architects.
"Whether on a farm in East Africa, a Trawler in the Atlantic or a Royal Palace in London, Jonathan consistently delivers photography that makes us look good to our clients. "
Paul Campbell
Director of Purple Patch Group
"Jonathan has been a pleasure to work with, professional, well organised, creative and always delivering to the brief. Considering the breadth of topics we have asked him to work on around the world, he has also shown himself to be resourceful and flexible. "
Judith Batchelar,
Director of Sainsbury's Brand
"Waiting on a quote from the British Red Cross "
Wendy Solesbury MBE
Youth Development Manager, British Red Cross
"Jonathan Banks has captured the faces of different people that vividly represent the human side of the conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh where each individual remains above all a human being with his or her right to be what they are, wherever they live, with dignity and in peace. "
EU Ambassador in Yerevan
"Jonathan has travelled to Intergen's power plants in Mexico, Australia and Europe and produces consistently high quality photography. Intergen's values are all about a high-quality work force for which we consider him part of. "
Mark Somerset
Vice President, InterGen Europe
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restaurant

05

Sep

Hilton Birmingham Metropole

  • By Jonathan Banks

The hospitality industry has seen some significant changes recently. Hotels are recognising that they must build their brand experience around a solution-selling strategy. Brand confidence means being a trusted advisor making customers feel relaxed with every interaction.

The Hilton Birmingham Metropole is the largest hotel in England outside London – with 790 rooms and suites, and approximately 6,000 m2 (65,000 sq ft) of conference halls. First opening in 1976 the current hotel is a combination of two adjacent hotels connected by a glazed tunnel and merged under the Metropole brand.

This week marks the first anniversary since the re-opening of the Hilton Birmingham Metropole following a massive refurbishment.

Earlier this year I was commissioned to photograph the new reception lobby, Guild Lounge, Brightsmith Bar & Restaurant, Executive lounge, and the Arbour breakfast room.

When working with an established brand like the Hilton there is the heritage to be considered, as well as the future of the brand. Sometimes innovative design is not about reinventing the wheel but setting it on a new course.

In my photography brief I was asked to capture the spirit of the design that defined it as the Hilton Metropole Birmingham. I was also made aware that the refurbishment had already been photographed by a number of other photographers. I chose not to look at these.

As I spent time in the space, I began to realise that the most amazing aspect of the new design was not represented in any one particular feature, or area. It was that the soul of the building had been ‘restored’ through the refurbishment, resulting in the brand being elevated through the design of the overall space.

Throughout the hotel, the new decor celebrates Birmingham’s rich heritage and embraces its culture. Nods to industrialism combine with a celebration of local craftsmanship to mark the city’s prolific history. Harrison was appointed by Hilton to completely transform this iconic destination hotel. The Hilton Birmingham Metropole hosts over 2,000 events per year and has already welcomed both new and returning clients.

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