Disputes are an unavoidable part of running a business. From late payments and contract disagreements to partnership issues, conflicts can disrupt your operations, drain resources, and damage relationships. However, there’s a better way to resolve disputes than heading straight to court: mediation.
Thanks to the partnership between We-Resolve and Your Business Community (YBC), YBC members can now access expert mediation services. This collaboration provides a practical, efficient, and affordable way to resolve disputes—helping businesses stay focused on growth.
The Ministry of Justice: A Push for Mediation
The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) recognises the value of mediation in making the civil justice system more efficient and accessible. In a landmark move, the MoJ has made mediation mandatory for money claims under £10,000, as of October 2023. This policy change is expected to benefit over 272,000 parties annually by reducing court backlogs and encouraging faster, less adversarial dispute resolution.
For small businesses, this shift underscores the importance of mediation as a first step in resolving disputes. It’s an approach that aligns perfectly with We-Resolve and YBC’s shared mission to empower businesses.
Why Small Businesses Should Choose Mediation
Small business owners often lack the legal departments or financial buffers larger companies enjoy. This can make disputes particularly daunting. Research reveals that resolving a typical dispute can cost around £17,000—a significant burden for small businesses. Mediation provides a smarter alternative:
● Cost-Effective: Litigation is expensive and can drain vital resources. Mediation offers a significantly more affordable way to resolve disputes, leaving more funds available to invest back into your business.
● Time-Saving: Court proceedings can drag on for months or even years. Mediation, by contrast, resolves most conflicts in hours or days, allowing you to get back to focusing on your business.
● Preserves Relationships: Whether it’s a supplier, partner, or customer, relationships are valuable. Mediation fosters open dialogue and cooperation, helping parties find common ground and maintain professional ties.
● Confidentiality: Unlike court cases, which are public, mediation is a private process. This protects your reputation and ensures sensitive business details remain confidential.
● Flexibility: Mediation allows creative solutions tailored to your specific situation—something that’s not always possible through the courts.
Real-World Example: A Bakery-Coffee Shop Dispute
Consider a bakery and a coffee shop that share a prime location but clash over lease terms. Court proceedings would mean high costs, delays, and potential damage to their relationship. Instead, through mediation, they resolved their differences in just two sessions, preserved their partnership, and even collaborated on a promotional event.
How YBC Members Benefit
Through the partnership with We-Resolve, YBC members gain access to professional mediation services tailored for small businesses. Whether you’re facing disputes with customers, suppliers, or partners, mediation provides a practical and collaborative solution. This service is perfectly aligned with the MoJ’s push to make mediation a cornerstone of the civil justice system.
Steps to Resolve Disputes Through Mediation
1. Start the Dialogue: Open communication is key to identifying shared goals and understanding issues.
2. Be Prepared: Review relevant contracts, correspondence, and evidence.
3. Engage a Professional Mediator: We-Resolve mediators guide you through a structured process to achieve mutual agreement.
4. Stay Flexible: Creative solutions often lead to better outcomes.
A Smarter Approach to Business Disputes
With mediation now central to the civil justice system, small businesses have more opportunities than ever to resolve disputes effectively. We-Resolve and YBC are here to help you navigate these challenges, offering expert guidance and practical solutions.
Don’t let disputes derail your business. Contact We-Resolve today to explore how mediation can help, and take advantage of this exclusive service through your YBC membership. Together, we’ll turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and collaboration.
For more information, visit We-Resolve and let us help you resolve disputes smarter, faster, and more affordably.
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