When a business dispute arises, litigation is rarely the only answer — and seldom the best one. Mediation offers a faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial route to resolution, giving parties genuine control over the outcome rather than leaving it in the hands of a judge.
At IPOS, we are specialist commercial mediators with decades of combined experience resolving complex, high-value disputes across a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions. We know that no two disputes are the same — and we bring the skill, depth, and judgment to navigate even the most entrenched conflicts towards settlement.
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which an independent, neutral third party — the mediator — helps the parties in dispute reach their own negotiated agreement. The mediator does not impose a decision. Instead, they work with all sides to identify the real issues at stake, open up lines of communication, and explore options that the parties themselves might never have considered.
Although the precise structure of a mediation will depend on the issue at hand, the spirit, aims and methods are often very similar. A typical commercial mediation involves:
A joint session, where each party has the opportunity to set out their position
Private meetings between the mediator and each party, where concerns, priorities, and settlement possibilities can be explored in confidence
Negotiation, guided by an experienced mediator who knows how to move parties towards agreement
A binding settlement agreement, drafted and signed on the day — ending the dispute there and then. In 85% of cases resolution is reached. If not, the mediator will identify points of difference and agreement as a basis for any further negotiation or action.
Most commercial mediations are concluded in a single day, though we can also help parties design a bespoke process over longer periods.
Whatever the nature of the dispute, we’ll supply you with detailed guidance on how the process will work on the day, what to expect and how best to prepare.
If you can’t meet in person our mediators are happy to mediate remotely either online or via telephone.
Speed. Court proceedings can take years. Most mediations are arranged within weeks and resolved in a day.
Cost. Litigation is expensive. Mediation typically costs a fraction of the legal fees involved in taking a dispute to trial.
Confidentiality. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is entirely private. The discussions, offers, and documents exchanged remain confidential, protecting your business and your relationships.
Control. In litigation, a judge decides the outcome. In mediation, you do. Parties reach agreements that reflect their real commercial interests — not just their legal rights.
Preservation of relationships. Where an ongoing business relationship matters, mediation offers a path to resolution that does not require one side to be declared the loser.
High success rates. The vast majority of commercial mediations result in settlement — even in cases where negotiations between the parties have completely broken down.
Commercial disputes require mediators who genuinely understand business — the pressures, the priorities, the relationships, and the risks that sit behind every dispute. Our mediators are not generalists. They are experienced commercial practitioners who bring real-world expertise and challenge to the table.
Whatever the sector, whatever the value, and however complex the issues, we have the experience to help parties find a way through.
Mediation can be used at virtually any stage of a dispute — before proceedings are issued, during litigation, or even at the door of the court. Courts across England and Wales now actively encourage parties to consider mediation, and failure to engage can have cost consequences.
The right time to mediate is often earlier than parties expect. The sooner mediation is considered, the more legal costs can be saved and the greater the room for creative settlement.
If you're unsure whether mediation is right for your dispute, we're happy to discuss your situation and give you an honest assessment.
Fees will be individually quoted in each case and will reflect the mediator selection, the type of dispute and, in some cases, the value of the dispute.
Where a dispute does not primarily involve monetary claims, daily or hourly rates will be quoted taking into account these same factors. Please get in touch to find out more.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how mediation could help resolve your dispute. Our team is available to advise on the process, help you choose the right mediator, and arrange a mediation at short notice when required.
Contact us today to find out more.
Explore individual mediators below or contact us to discuss the best mediator for your dispute.
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