Beaufort Financial Birmingham have worked with local photography students at Walsall college to bring a local feel to their brand

The work was part of a competition lead by Co-Founder and Chartered Financial Planner Paul Gorman. The students were given a brief which explained Beaufort’s brand concept – art and science. With firms nationwide, the brief also encouraged a local element to photographs submitted.

Once submitted, the entries were judged against the brief by a panel at Beaufort and the winners were chosen. Monetary prizes were offered for first, second and third place as well as the fantastic opportunity to work with a professional service and have images published for commercial use. All winning work will be used in future digital and offline marketing, branding and communications from the Birmingham firm as well as being displayed in the local offices.

The winners were revealed on 18th May at a presentation at Walsall college and prizes were awarded in the following order:

First place – Guyvor Weals – Tails

The idea for the image originated from the smoke effect seen when acrylic paint enters water. I felt this would relate to Beaufort’s theme of art and science. I created some acrylic paint mixtures of blue and yellow colours; and poured them into a fish tank full of water. I used Photoshop to dictate the colour of areas of the image, helping to create colours to match Beaufort’s brand.

Second place – Debi Heath – Birmingham Library

Linking to the local area I decided to focus on Birmingham Library because of the links to science and art through books and the design of modern architecture. From an abstract point of view, I focused on only part of the building, taking into consideration the shapes and patterns formed by the structure.

Joint third place – Gemma Palmer – Waves and Alexandra Mole – Selfridges

The idea to create the image that I entered came from a few different elements from the brief. First of all I wanted to ensure I had the colour scheme in mind and also I wanted to include feel ofBirmingham and the Midlands. I then came up with the idea of capturing iconic landmarks which resulted in me capturing the photographs of the Selfridges building.

Offering some more detail on the concept, Beaufort’s website states that the firm’s financial advice to consumers combines the ‘art’ of knowing and understanding life goals, with the ‘science’ of identifying the best financial solutions to achieve them.

Reflecting on the competition, Paul Gorman said This has been a great opportunity to work with local students and give them the opportunity to work with us. The results have provided us with high quality stimulating imagery that will help to establish our local brand. I look forward to working with Walsall college again in the future..

If you would like to keep a look out for upcoming use of imagery you can visit beaufortfinancial.co.uk/birmingham