Catalyst’s Paul Duddle voted into top job at subsidence forum

Paul Duddle, Head of Technical and Network at Catalyst Services UK, has been selected to be the Vice-Chair of the Subsidence Forum, the expert body for subsidence in the United Kingdom.

His appointment was approved by the forum’s members at the body’s annual general meeting on Wednesday 10^th May. Paul has been a member of the forum’s executive board since 2019.

Technical knowledge

He said: “I’m honoured that my peers on the Subsidence Forum have selected me to be vice-chair. Given the increasing importance of understanding subsidence and sharing information about it, I am very glad to serve in the role over the next 12 months.”

Catalyst Managing Director Brad Jackson said: “We’re delighted Paul has been selected to this role by his peers in the forum. His technical knowledge is matched by his desire to share it for the benefit of others. His appointment reflects the expertise Catalyst brings to bear to support our clients and customers.”

National experts

The Subsidence Forum is a national group of experts and practitioners who raise public awareness about subsidence and encourage competent responses to the issue.

It has more than 60 members, including consultancy firms, arboriculturists, law firms, surveyors, subsidence repair specialists, engineering companies, claims service providers, and public bodies.

Paul has been appointed to be vice-chair as Liam Hanlon, Managing Director of the Forshaw Group, renovation specialists for the insurance sectors, takes over the role of forum chair from Sarah Dodds.

Climate challenge

“Climate change is complicating the necessary response to subsidence in the UK,” said Paul. “For example, reported incidents of subsidence are becoming more widespread across the UK.

“The heatwave of 2021 lead to both record temperatures and a huge spike in insurance claims as the extreme drying and then rewetting of ground contributed to more subsidence incidents. It is a phenomenon predicted to become more common.

“Over the coming months and years, this means the work of the subsidence forum will be more important than ever, as we’ll need new approaches to subsidence to support property owners, insurers and specialist subsidence service providers.”

Subsidence training

Paul has more than 25 years’ technical experience in carrying out drainage, water mains and subsidence investigations, as a director-level engineering lead, technical consultant and trainer.

He is responsible for maintaining and developing Catalyst’s high degree of technical competence in delivering a range of coordinated services covering drainage, water supply pipes, leak detection, subsidence, home emergency response, and environmental services.

His talks and demonstrations, delivered at annual Subsidence Forum training days, are often highly praised by attendees for their expert insights, relevance, and creative delivery.