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Noting that this is a wooden boat (Series 1, with the series 1 to 2 conversion done), that you say you are nervous of cutting holes, and that you want a good dinghy builder in the north-west, I would recommend Tim Harper, who is based in Southport. He has in his time built some beautiful, and somewhat bespoke, GP14s, including my own A Capella. Last time we met, at a Past Commodores’ Dinner earlier in the year, he gave me the impression that he is now semi-retired, and said that he no longer builds, but still does repairs.
It would be worth determining first where you want the sockets to go; there is a lot of material pertinent to this earlier in this very string.
Then decide on what rowlocks you want. Metal is vastly stronger and more rigid than plastic, so I personally would never have any confidence in plastic ones. Galvanised are el cheapo, and very strong, but a bit “agricultural”; you may feel (as I myself do) that to fit them to a beautiful wooden GP14 would deface the boat.
The strength of Chrome-plated rowlocks depends heavily on the quality of the substrate, which is likely to be either brass or die-cast zinc alloy. I have heard mixed reports, with some owners reporting fractures, and others having had no problem. Indeed there is one adverse report almost immediately preceding this reply in the same string. However it is difficult to compare like with like, as I have no information on particular brands; and even for the adverse reports that I have heard in most cases I cannot recall what the substrates were.
For my money the choice is either stainless steel or bronze (gunmetal). Bronze are probably the easier of the two to obtain, and are normally available from Classic Marine, or other specialist classic chandlers (such as Marinestore.co.uk, or Davey & Co.) Stainless steel may require quite a lot of online searching, but if you can find stainless ones (that you like) they will be amply strong and they will also be a good cosmetic match to the rest of your stainless fittings on the boat.
It would be worth discussing this with Tim before you buy; he may possibly have sources of supply, or he may prefer you to source them and he will then simply fit them for you.
The neatest type of installation is to have the deck plates (sockets) recessed into the deck so that the surface is flush; and that also gives the most comfortable seating if you happen to sit on top of one of the sockets. However if you opt for that you may find that you need to put a short collar on the stem of the rowlocks in order to lift them a little, so that the oar does not scuff your varnished rubbing strake on the pull stroke. I made my collars by buying a short length of stainless steel tubing of suitable diameter (again an internet search will bring up suppliers), and then cutting it to length. The length is not critical; half an inch, or 15 mm would seem a good length to try.
Hope this helps,
Oliver