Business Disputes the effects of Covid19
The predictions show that there will be a significant increase in disputes due to there being so many struggling businesses who are trying to survive the current economic crisis.
Mediation is recommended by the Courts time and time again. Only a few businesses have managed to survive or have found alternative ways to deal with any problems arising because of the Pandemic.
The various areas of dispute identified are follows:
- breach of contract due to directors and company owners being unable to fulfil orders
- Negligence – professional /clinical negligence due to delays and or mistakes made by over worked/inexperienced staff
- insurance disputes – as a result of the interruptions which the pandemic has caused and also health and safety issues
- various levels of education claims in relation to services provided
- cancellation of holiday claims
- hospitality / wedding and event cancellation claims
We can help any business owner / company director to resolve all levels of disputes by way of online mediation. We use Microsoft teams, Remo, Zoom amongst a few other online platforms to facilitate the mediation.
As everyone is being made aware regularly the Courts are largely closed and there are a vast number of cases in the backlog with cases being added to that backlog daily.
It is so much easier to Mediate! It is encouraged by the Courts and can in certain cases work in your favour if you have already attempted to mediate or have at least requested to mediate. It is confidential and gives parties the opportunity to agree a reasonable compromise and maybe even get back to trading with each other, albeit on different negotiated terms.
How does it work online?
As previously mentioned, we have various platforms and can accommodate a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 22 people in any given mediation. It is much easier to arrange as we have found that people are more flexible due to the way in which we have all learned to work from home and so the diaries can be freed up easier than trying to sync diaries with more than 4 parties if all were to be travelling to a specific location. It cuts out travel time and saves money!
So how does it work?
Online mediation is easy to arrange. These are the steps to follow.
- Email us from the website www.navigatebr.com requesting an initial telephone call.
- We try and get back to all emails within 24 hours.
- Initial conversation is held (30 minutes) where we obtain some general information from you.
- Once a decision si made to mediate we send out the mediation agreement and a link to Zoom or a preferred platform of your choice.
The key documents and position statements are emailed to us by the parties before the mediation and they are kept secure and confidential.
4. On the day of the mediation you log in to Microsoft Teams (whichever is the chosen on line platform ) I as the mediator will start the process with the usual opening session and explain how the mediation will proceed.
5. I talk to each party separately and each virtual room can involve more than one person, so they do not need to be in the same place. There is a virtual wall between the rooms.
6. Documents can be viewed and amended on screen if required. This includes any settlement agreement which can be signed online or emailed between the parties.
What is the Cost?
Compared to litigation it is great value for money. It saves a significant amount of time and money away from your business allowing you to concentrate on the other important parts of the business. Most of all it is not as worrying as when you are waiting for the Courts to make progress, waiting for a hearing date or keeping a tab on the fees which are likely to be charged by lawyers.
Our fees are determined on a case-by-case basis. We offer mediation services to individuals, companies, solicitors, insurers, and public sector bodies. The list is endless.
Next Steps
If you want to find out anything further about this topic then please feel free to call on 0330 236 9930, 0330 236 9938 or 07961 116321. All conversations will be in strict confidence. You can also email vee@navigatebr.com
This article is for information and interest only. It is not a substitute for full professional advice, which will take in to account the specific and individual circumstances. Navigate Business Recovery Limited cannot accept any responsibility for any loss arising as a result of any person or organisation acting or refraining from acting on any information.
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