MEDIA RELEASE
Date:4ndJune 2025
Image attached:Image 1: Paul Duddle, Operations Director, Catalyst Services UK; Image 2, Paul Duddle presenting at I Love Claims subsidence event on behalf of the Subsidence Forum.
Catalyst's Paul Duddle to champion wider participation at national subsidence body
Catalyst Services UK Operations Director Paul Duddle has been voted in as the new chair of the Subsidence Forum with a mandate to increase participation in the national body.
His appointment to the two-year term of office was approved by members at the Subsidence Forum's annual general meeting on 21stMay 2025.
Paul had previously served as the forum's vice-chair and has been a member of its executive board since 2019.
He said: "I'm honoured and privileged to be trusted by my colleagues to be chair of the Subsidence Forum, the industry home for subsidence in the UK.
"My primary objective over the next two years is to increase active participation from insurance companies and loss adjusters within the forum.
"This will enable a deeper exploration of the operational, technical, and procedural challenges they face. I have already received expressions of interest from insurances companies that want to be more involved.
"By leveraging the collective expertise and experience within the forum, we aim to collaboratively share insights, and develop practical, scalable solutions to subsidence problems."
The focus should be on creating actionable outcomes that enhance efficiency, service delivery, and customer satisfaction across the claims lifecycle, he added. Key challenges included the impact of climate change. Emerging solutions to explore included the use of AI in data analysis.
Speaking at the AGM, Paul thanked the forum's outgoing chair, Liam Hanlon for his "leadership, dedication, and vision".
"Under Liam's chairmanship, the Forum has continued to grow in relevance and influence," he said. "The direction and momentum has been incredibly valuable, and I look forward to continuing that work as we move forward."
Catalyst Services UKManaging Director Brad Jackson said: "We're sure Paul will be a brilliant chair of the Subsidence Forum. He's a hugely knowledgeable insurance services professional.
"His commitment to drive forward the forum's valuable work reflects Catalyst's desire to share expertise and learn from others so insurance providers and their customers get the best possible service."
Paul will also encourage the forum to continue itsproactive role in addressing skills shortages across the sector by facilitating training days, helping to upskill professionals, and attracting new talent to ensure the long-term resilience of the industry.
The Subsidence Forum represents a "unique and vital" collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of professionals — insurers, engineers, arboriculturists, and geotechnical specialists, among others.
"All are committed to sharing knowledge, challenging practices, and ultimately improving how we understand and manage subsidence across the UK," said Paul.
"We have a wealth of expertise within the forum, and by involving more members in leading or contributing to our work we can spread the workload more evenly, bring fresh perspectives to the table, and ensure a more collaborative and representative approach."
Paul represented the Subsidence Forum as a speaker at the I Love Claims Specialist Subsidence Conference attended by many insurance industry professionals in early May 2025.
Catalyst delivers services on behalf of insurance companies and loss adjustors to investigate and resolve claims made by domestic and commercial customers.
Key services, alongside subsidence investigation, include drainage and off-mains drainage investigations and repairs, waters supply pipe investigation and repairs and water leak detection.
Find out more
Visit the Subsidence Forum website to find out more about its work:www.subsidenceforum.org.uk.
Ends
For more information, contact Andy Comber
07889 630440
01952 883526
andy@matm.co.uk
Catalyst website:www.catalystservicesuk.com
About Catalyst Services UK Ltd
Catalyst Services UK (formerly Catalyst Claims Management Ltd), founded in 2014, provides specialist investigations, repair and renewal services for the insurance industry, as well as commercial and domestic clients.
Its expertise is focussed primarily on drainage systems, including off-mains drainage, water supply systems, subsidence investigation, environmental services, and home emergency services.
The company name, Catalyst, is derived from a business approach that brings together all parties involved in an insurance claim - the provider, customer, and a trusted contractor selected from a managed network of expert suppliers - to create an efficient, effective, and sustainable outcome for all concerned.