56 • HARDWARE&SECURITY
No going back to
a 2D world, warns
new GAI President
»»The ‘fast forward’ button for
the door hardware industry has been
firmly pressed by the new president of the
Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI),
Maria Powell.
In her inspirational inaugural speech at
the Guild’s AGM, Maria Powell, managing
director of Lorient Group, called upon
the industry to maintain momentum and
a strong focus on the future, particularly
on the young people who could be
encouraged to enter the industry.
She also painted a picture of
architectural ironmongery as an industry
likely to be reshaped beyond recognition
by rapidly accelerating developments in
technology:
“Will we, in 10 years’ time, all as a
matter of course, have staff who will
take our prospective clients on a full
sensory virtual t