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    <title>The Leading Edge</title>
    <description>Exploring the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry</description>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 2 Jun 2026 04:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Artificial Intelligence</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this month's episode host Rachael is joined by Alma Lundberg, AI Analyst at HID Global (part of ASSA ABLOY). A young professional, Alma quickly went from being a Masters Thesis student placed at ASSA ABLOY, to being hired into a strategic AI role in the company, such is her expertise and vision on the subject of Artificial Intelligence.</p>
<p>With AI being the hot topic of conversation in all industries at the moment (bringing with it opportunities, challenges, possibility and, yes, some misunderstandings and concerns) this is the perfect moment to discuss how AI will affect the construction products industry.</p>
<p>Topics discussed in this episode include...</p>
<ul>
 <li>A detailed and clear explanation of what AI actually is - its roots, various iterations and where it's going next in terms of capability</li>
 <li>Why Alma makes the case for approaching AI with curiosity and positivity - not fear</li>
 <li>The kind of AI-enabled products of the future that could appear very soon in the construction of buildings, particularly concerning biometrics and doors</li>
 <li>Why Alma thinks companies that approach AI with strong compliance processes will have a competitive advantage</li>
</ul>
<p>AI will affect all of our lives, careers and day-to-day work. This is a great opportunity to hear a young informed expert give an industry-specific guide to what you need to know on this most current of subjects.</p>
<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 2 Jun 2026 04:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this month's episode host Rachael is joined by Alma Lundberg, AI Analyst at HID Global (part of ASSA ABLOY). A young professional, Alma quickly went from being a Masters Thesis student placed at ASSA ABLOY, to being hired into a strategic AI role in the company, such is her expertise and vision on the subject of Artificial Intelligence.</p>
<p>With AI being the hot topic of conversation in all industries at the moment (bringing with it opportunities, challenges, possibility and, yes, some misunderstandings and concerns) this is the perfect moment to discuss how AI will affect the construction products industry.</p>
<p>Topics discussed in this episode include...</p>
<ul>
 <li>A detailed and clear explanation of what AI actually is - its roots, various iterations and where it's going next in terms of capability</li>
 <li>Why Alma makes the case for approaching AI with curiosity and positivity - not fear</li>
 <li>The kind of AI-enabled products of the future that could appear very soon in the construction of buildings, particularly concerning biometrics and doors</li>
 <li>Why Alma thinks companies that approach AI with strong compliance processes will have a competitive advantage</li>
</ul>
<p>AI will affect all of our lives, careers and day-to-day work. This is a great opportunity to hear a young informed expert give an industry-specific guide to what you need to know on this most current of subjects.</p>
<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the first episode of 'The Leading Edge' - a new podcast from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers. </p>
<p>We start with a hugely topical and important episode. The government's 'Construction Products Reform' White Paper is currently out for consultation (until 20th May 2026) and to analyse it, we are thrilled to be joined by one of the highest profile, and most experienced figures in this area - Paul Morrell OBE (co-author of the Morrell Day Review and the government's first Chief Construction Advisor between 2009 and 2012).</p>
<p>'The Leading Edge' is hosted by Rachael Bliss, CEO of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and joining her and Paul to discuss construction products reform is the GAI's own Douglas Masterson - a technical leader and trusted voice within the sector.</p>
<p>Their discussion includes...</p>
<ul>
 <li>Why Grenfell was such an important moment and how it has instigated necessary change</li>
 <li>What is in the White Paper, what isn't and where the areas of confusion and/or contention are</li>
 <li>How and why you can have your say while the consultation is still open</li>
 <li>The impact the changes suggested in the White Paper may have on Architectural Ironmongers, specifiers and manufacturers</li>
 <li>What industry professionals can and should do now to prepare for the change that is coming</li>
</ul>
<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 5 May 2026 04:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>andy.taylor@bwlb.co.uk (Paul Morrell OBE)</author>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the first episode of 'The Leading Edge' - a new podcast from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers. </p>
<p>We start with a hugely topical and important episode. The government's 'Construction Products Reform' White Paper is currently out for consultation (until 20th May 2026) and to analyse it, we are thrilled to be joined by one of the highest profile, and most experienced figures in this area - Paul Morrell OBE (co-author of the Morrell Day Review and the government's first Chief Construction Advisor between 2009 and 2012).</p>
<p>'The Leading Edge' is hosted by Rachael Bliss, CEO of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and joining her and Paul to discuss construction products reform is the GAI's own Douglas Masterson - a technical leader and trusted voice within the sector.</p>
<p>Their discussion includes...</p>
<ul>
 <li>Why Grenfell was such an important moment and how it has instigated necessary change</li>
 <li>What is in the White Paper, what isn't and where the areas of confusion and/or contention are</li>
 <li>How and why you can have your say while the consultation is still open</li>
 <li>The impact the changes suggested in the White Paper may have on Architectural Ironmongers, specifiers and manufacturers</li>
 <li>What industry professionals can and should do now to prepare for the change that is coming</li>
</ul>
<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></description>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Rachael Bliss, CEO of the GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) describes what's in store in new podcast 'The Leading Edge'.</p>
<p><p>'The Leading Edge' podcast releases monthly and explores the ideas, challenges, and innovations shaping the construction products industry.</p><p>In each episode, we’ll bring together expert voices, share practical insights, and highlight best practice from across the sector.</p><p>We're a new podcast looking to grow, so if you’ve enjoyed the conversation please do subscribe on your podcast platform, share with your network and leave us a review.</p><p>For more guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities, visit the GAI website - <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gai.org.uk%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crachael.bliss%40gai.org.uk%7Cd3f0b683f3af4155513d08de964a429c%7C801937568aae449f859797dc3a411c82%7C0%7C0%7C639113442880653543%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3YE%2BuLMEz0qQvax3WG760k6STx9lVYhNRcL2gNFDwUo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.gai.org.uk</a></p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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