Business disagreements can be stressful, time-consuming and costly. Mediation provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to discuss contractual, commercial or professional disputes and explore solutions that may better suit their circumstances.
Disputes between landlords and tenants, and disagreements between neighbours or community members, are covered on the Services page under landlord & tenant mediation and community mediation.
Mediation fees are usually shared between the parties and are agreed in writing before mediation begins.
Sessions are arranged around the availability of the parties and their advisers, rather than a court list.
Court hearings are public. Mediation is confidential under the Mediation Act 2017.
You decide the outcome, and you can agree practical solutions a court could not order: an apology, a payment plan, future work together.
Business partners, suppliers and customers may still need to work together. Mediation leaves room for that.
Under the Mediation Act 2017, the time limits for bringing many claims are paused from the date you sign an Agreement to Mediate until shortly after mediation ends, so trying mediation need not cost you your right to go to court. Take legal advice on how this applies to your claim.
With whoever makes contact, then with the other side.
Setting out confidentiality, fees and the arrangements for the day.
Each side sends a short summary of the dispute and any key documents. I speak to each of you, and to your solicitors if you have them.
We begin together, then I spend time with each side privately, testing options and carrying proposals, for as long as both sides want to continue.
If you reach agreement, it is written up and signed. Unless you agree otherwise, a signed mediation settlement takes effect as a contract.
Section 14 of the Mediation Act 2017 requires solicitors to advise clients to consider mediation before issuing proceedings. I am happy to:
I come from a background in general practice litigation, so I understand the pressures on both sides of a claim. That experience is background only: as mediator I remain strictly impartial, I do not represent any party, and I do not give legal advice.
No, but for anything involving significant money or property it is wise to take advice before signing a settlement. Solicitors can attend the mediation or advise in the background.
Under the Mediation Act 2017 a signed mediation settlement takes effect as a contract unless the parties expressly agree otherwise.
Mediation is voluntary. A court can invite parties to consider mediation, and an unreasonable refusal may be taken into account on costs. I can make the first approach for you.
Sessions are usually planned as a half day or a full day, after a short period of preparation. Some matters need more time, and we agree the arrangements before mediation begins.
Fees are usually set per half day or day and shared between the parties. I explain them in our first conversation.
Mediation is not legal advice. I do not advise any party on their legal position or the strength of their case.
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