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Commercial mediation

Mediation is an effective method of resolving commercial disputes outside court. It introduces a neutral third party called a mediator, who spends time with both parties and helps them facilitate a settlement.

Wandsworth Mediation Service offers a Civil Mediation Council accredited mediation service nationwide at competitive rates.

Here are some of the areas we have mediated:

  • Property
  • Construction & Engineering
  • Consumer Disputes
  • Debt recovery
  • Inheritance
  • Public sector
  • Commercial contracts
  • Sports & licensing
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Property
  • Construction & Engineering
  • Consumer Disputes
  • Debt recovery
  • Inheritance
  • Public sector
  • Commercial contracts
  • Sports & licensing
  • Education
  • Environment

Any questions? Call us on 020 7223 7744.

5 reasons to use Wandsworth Mediation Service as your commercial mediation provider:

1. Mediation specialists. We run an accredited mediation service and have helped resolve many sensitive, high-value, and complex cases across the UK. Our past clients include small businesses and large corporations, local authorities, charities, schools, and individuals. In 2020, we were appointed by Post Office Ltd to mediate Historic Shortfall Scheme and Stamps Scheme disputes after their previous mediation scheme failed. In 2023, we received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. In 2022, we were shortlisted for the ‘Mediation Provider of the Year’ award at the National Mediation Awards.

2. High calibre team. We are supported by a panel of highly skilled, accredited mediators, including two appointed King’s Counsels and various award-winners. They all volunteer their time with us on a pro-bono basis. We will match the right mediator to your dispute. Click here to find out more about our mediators.

 

 

3. High success rate. Our commercial mediation service is highly effective, with 80% commercial cases we mediated in 2023 reaching a full or partial resolution.

4. Competitive rates. As a registered charity, our goal is to ensure that those who would benefit from mediation get access to it, whatever their financial circumstance. So if you are a business in conflict, but struggling financially, reach out, and we can offer rates to suit your needs. We also do not charge VAT.

5. Enhance your CSR Impact. By choosing our mediation services, you can enhance your Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Income from commercial mediations supports our charitable work, enabling us to provide free conflict resolution and training for residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Businessman discussing with female colleagues in boardroom meeting

4 benefits of commercial mediation:

  • Mediation is a cheaper and faster alternative to court proceedings.
  • Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process. It only takes place when both parties agree to mediate and sign up to complete confidentiality.
  • Mediators are not judges, nor do they provide any verdict on the case. But they do provide a space for effective communication. They facilitate the discussion and help parties arrive at an outcome that everyone is happy to accept and move forward with.
  • The courts look favourably upon parties who have tried to resolve the dispute through mediation, even if an agreement wasn’t reached.

What happens in commercial mediation?

Referral

  • Client (or their lawyer) contacts us and confirms that both parties in the dispute are willing to try mediation.
  • Our case managers confirm charges, scheduled length of mediation and invoice details. They ask for contact details (email and mobile) for all parties who will be present at the mediation.
  • The case managers appoint a mediator from our panel with the necessary specialisations for this type of dispute and inform parties of their name and CV details.
  • The mediator contacts all parties to agree a date for the mediation, and asks for a short position paper and relevant supporting documents be sent directly to him/her.
  • The case managers send out standard “Agreement to Mediate” to be signed by all attending the mediation, and invoices.

Joint meeting

  • Mediation takes place via zoom or at agreed location. Parties can attend alone or with a lawyer or a friend.
  • The mediator holds a short joint introductory session with both parties together, and then meets with each party privately.
  • The mediator shuttles between rooms to help the parties find a resolution. These are confidential meetings, so each party can speak freely and openly to the mediator, who will not pass on any information without permission.
  • If a settlement is reached, the parties can regroup to discuss a formal agreement and its terms. Parties can then sign the settlement agreement and, where relevant, bring any court case to an end. If there is no settlement reached on the day, parties can resume negotiations later.
  • Mediator informs our case managers if mediation is successful, but all details of the settlement agreement if drawn up remain confidential.
  • Case managers send out feedback forms to all parties involved, and closes the case.
  • For more information about the process and timings, please refer to our FAQ section.

“The mediator quickly understood not only the complex issues, but also the positions and personalities of both sides. He was able to use this to find a negotiated agreement in a matter of hours, despite this having evaded us (both parties and our four lawyers) for more than three years. We are relieved, grateful, and impressed.”

Commercial mediation client

“Very efficient and cost effective. Staff and mediator very easy to deal with. I would use Wandsworth Mediation Service again.”

Commercial mediation client

We were in a very sticky place. I settled for something I would have not gone anywhere near before mediation. The mediator’s best skill was opening my mind to the option of drawing a line under this. Specifically by not trying to convince me, rather place options on the table allowing me to see more clearly the ramifications of whichever path I chose. I feel far more comfortable with the outcome as I feel I made that decision myself rather than be coerced in any way and then suffer from ‘buyer’s remorse’ after. Onwards and upwards.”

Commercial mediation client

“The mediation was a great success and something that I will be recommending to more of my clients in the future!”

Commercial mediation client

Commercial mediation Questions

We charge fees in line with a national tariff depending on the total value of the case. Our goal is to ensure that those who would benefit from mediation get access to it, whatever their financial circumstances. So if you are a business in conflict, but struggling financially, please contact us, and we can offer rates to suit your needs.

Value of case (claim and any counterclaim) Fees per party (no VAT) Time limitation unless mutually agreed otherwise including by mediator and those of venue provider  Additional fee for extension hours, per party and pro rata, should extension be agreed by all concerned
£1,000 to £4,999 £125 2 hours £110
£5,000 to £14,999 £325 3 hours £110
£15,000 to £49,999 £445 4 hours £110
£50,000 to £99,999 £700 6 hours £110
£100,000 to £249,999 £950 6 hours £110
£250,000 and above Price on enquiry.

Cases that are not suitable for commercial mediation:

  • if the value of the claim is under £1,000;
  • if you do not have contact details for the other party; and
  • if the other party does not have the money to pay you, even if they agree that they owe you money.

If you are unsure whether your case is suitable for mediation, or if you require guidance about the mediation process, please contact us.

Yes, if everyone involved in mediation agrees to a solution and it’s written down and signed, this settlement agreement becomes legally binding. A settlement becomes legally binding only once it has been duly signed by all parties involved.

We have seen a huge increase in demand for our service since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mediators are fully trained to conduct mediation sessions online.

Online mediation means you can resolve disputes quicker, and from the comfort of your home. All you need is a computer or mobile phone, a webcam and a quiet location. Our dedicated case managers will provide detailed instructions and guide you through the set-up.

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