ILC ARTICLE

Duddle named Subsidence Forum Vice Chair

9th June 2023

Head of Technical and Network at Catalyst Services UK Paul Duddle has been named Vice-Chair of the Subsidence Forum.

The Subsidence Forum is a national group of more than 60 experts who raise public awareness about subsidence and promote appropriate solutions.

Paul, who has been a member of the Forum since 2019, 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.

“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 led 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.”

Meanwhile, Liam Hanlon, Managing Director of the Forshaw Group, takes over the role of forum Chair from Sarah Dodds.