Commercial Mediation Services.
Commercial disputes can drain management time, disrupt important relationships and place projects, finances and reputations at risk.
Through Equitas Resolve, we provide independent commercial mediation for businesses and organisations across the UK. Our accredited mediators create a structured, confidential environment in which the parties can discuss the issues, explore practical options and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement.
Mediation can be used before legal proceedings begin or while a case is already underway, helping the parties pursue resolution without surrendering control of the outcome.
Resolve Commercial Disputes Without Losing Sight of the Business.
Independent Commercial Mediation Services.
A commercial dispute can quickly become more expensive than the original issue. Alongside potential legal costs, unresolved conflict can consume management time, delay decisions and damage relationships that may still hold value.
Commercial mediation brings the relevant parties together with an independent and impartial mediator. The mediator does not impose a judgement or decide who is right. Instead, they help clarify the issues, support constructive negotiation and explore whether an agreement can be reached.
The process is flexible and confidential, allowing the parties to consider commercial realities alongside their legal positions. This can make room for practical outcomes that would not necessarily be available through formal proceedings.
Equitas Resolve works with SMEs, corporates, charities and public sector bodies, providing mediation that is structured around the circumstances, complexity and priorities of each dispute.
Make an Enquiry & Speak With a Commercial Mediator
If your organisation is involved in a commercial dispute, contact Equitas Resolve to discuss the situation in confidence. We’ll explain how commercial mediation works, whether it may be appropriate and the next steps involved.
- Commercial Disputes We Mediate Include:
- Contractual Disagreements
- Disputes concerning contractual obligations, performance, interpretation or an alleged breach of contract.
- Payment and Financial Disputes
- Unpaid invoices, disputed charges, delayed payments or disagreements over financial responsibilities.
- Partnership and Shareholder Disputes
- Conflict between business partners, shareholders or directors concerning responsibilities, decisions, ownership or the future direction of the organisation.
- Service Delivery and Client Disputes
- Disagreements arising from service standards, missed expectations, delays, performance concerns or client dissatisfaction.
- Supplier and Supply Chain Disputes
- Conflict involving suppliers, contractors, delivery arrangements or the performance of commercial agreements.
- Governance and Leadership Conflicts
- Disputes involving boards, senior leaders or other decision-makers where relationships, responsibilities or organisational direction have broken down.
How Our Commercial Mediation Process Works.
Workplace & Corporate Investigations
Every commercial mediation begins with an initial conversation to understand the nature of the dispute, the parties involved and whether mediation is appropriate. We explain the process, discuss any practical requirements and provide a clear quotation based on the complexity and anticipated duration of the matter.
Before the mediation, the format and arrangements are agreed with the parties. Relevant information may be provided to the mediator in advance so that the session can remain focused on the central issues.
During mediation, the mediator may speak with the parties together and separately. Each party has an opportunity to explain its position, consider the commercial and practical implications of the dispute and explore possible terms of resolution.
The mediator remains independent throughout and does not impose an outcome. Any decision to settle, and the terms of that settlement, remain under the control of the parties. Where an agreement is reached, its terms can be recorded in writing and signed by the parties.
- We Support Organisations Across the UK, Including:
- SMEs and owner-managed businesses
- Corporate organisations and larger employers
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
- Public sector bodies and public organisations
Who Is Commercial Mediation For?
Equitas Resolve supports organisations that need an independent third party to help address a business dispute constructively.
We can be approached by business owners, directors, shareholders, partners, senior leaders, governance professionals and legal advisers. Mediation may be suitable where direct negotiations have stalled, communication has broken down or the parties want to explore resolution before committing further time and money to formal proceedings.
It can also be used where the parties need to continue working together. By addressing the dispute privately and focusing on workable terms, mediation may help preserve a commercial relationship that litigation could place under further strain.
Why Choose Equitas Investigate?
Accredited, Experienced Mediators
Our accredited mediators combine legal and procedural insight with the interpersonal skills needed to manage difficult commercial discussions.
Independent, Informed and Impartial
We remain neutral throughout the process. The mediator does not represent either party, decide the dispute or impose a settlement.
Fully Confidential and Flexible
Commercial mediation is conducted privately and can be adapted to the needs of the parties, with in-person, remote and hybrid delivery available.
Practical, Commercially Focused Outcomes
We help the parties explore realistic terms that reflect their commercial priorities, responsibilities and future working relationships.
Whether you’re dealing with a contractual disagreement, payment dispute or breakdown between business partners, Equitas Resolve provides a structured route towards resolution.
Commercial Mediation FAQs
What is commercial mediation?
Commercial mediation is a structured and confidential process used to help resolve disputes between businesses, organisations or people involved in a commercial relationship. An independent mediator facilitates discussion and negotiation between the parties but does not act as a judge or impose an outcome. The parties retain control over whether an agreement is reached and what its terms will be.
What types of commercial disputes can be mediated?
Commercial mediation can be used for a wide range of business disputes, including contractual disagreements, unpaid invoices and payment disputes, partnership breakdowns, shareholder tensions, supplier disputes, service delivery failures, client dissatisfaction and governance or leadership conflicts. Whether mediation is appropriate will depend on the nature of the dispute and the willingness of the parties to take part.
When should a business consider mediation?
Mediation can take place before legal proceedings begin or while proceedings are already underway. It is often helpful to consider mediation once direct negotiation has stalled but before the dispute causes further cost, delay or damage to the commercial relationship. However, parties can explore mediation at almost any stage if they are willing to work towards a negotiated resolution.
Is commercial mediation confidential?
Commercial mediation is conducted privately and subject to agreed confidentiality arrangements. Discussions are generally held on a without prejudice basis, allowing the parties to explore possible solutions without offers or concessions ordinarily being relied upon in subsequent proceedings. The precise confidentiality terms and any limited exceptions should be set out in the mediation agreement.
Is an agreement reached through mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself does not force either party to accept an outcome. If the parties reach a resolution, the agreed terms can be recorded in a written settlement agreement. Once that agreement has been finalised and signed, it will normally become legally binding. Parties may wish to obtain independent legal advice before signing settlement terms.
How long does commercial mediation take and what does it cost?
The time required depends on the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties and the preparation involved. Many commercial mediations are arranged as either a four-hour or full-day session. Equitas Resolve's published fee for a straightforward two-party commercial mediation is £695 per party for four hours or £1,195 per party for a full day. We provide a fixed quotation based on the circumstances of each case.
Need Help Resolving a Commercial Dispute?
Talk to Equitas Resolve about your situation in confidence. We’ll explain how commercial mediation works, whether it may be suitable and how we can support the parties in working towards resolution.