Business Disputes

If you’ve been running a business for any length of time, you’ll know that disagreements are just part of the deal. No matter how carefully you plan or how strong your intentions are, disputes can and do happen. A misunderstanding over a contract. A missed deadline. A supplier who didn’t deliver what was promised. Maybe you’re dealing with late payments, staff issues, or clashing expectations. The truth is, conflict in business isn’t unusual. It’s how you deal with it that really matters.

When a dispute becomes personal or emotionally charged, things tend to escalate quickly. Even something small can grow into a major problem if it’s not handled early and sensibly. It’s not just about money, either. These conflicts can damage reputations, disrupt operations, and destroy business relationships that may have taken years to build. And in the background, your actual business suffers—because energy and focus are being pulled away from where they’re needed most.

So what’s the best way to approach a business dispute? The answer lies in early action, clear communication, and a willingness to find common ground. That’s where mediation comes in.

Mediation is a simple idea that delivers real results. It involves bringing in an independent person—a mediator—who helps both sides talk through the issue and find a solution. They’re not there to take sides or hand out blame. Their job is to make sure the conversation is fair, calm, and focused on finding common ground.

Mediation is a way to resolve business conflicts quickly, fairly, and privately. Instead of spending months (or even years) in a legal battle, you sit down with an independent mediator—someone who understands business, conflict resolution, and how to guide two opposing sides towards an agreement. Unlike a judge, a mediator doesn’t decide who’s right or wrong. Their role is to help both parties find common ground and reach a solution that works for everyone.

What makes mediation powerful is the environment it creates. It takes the heat out of the situation. Instead of trading legal threats, you’re having a structured conversation. The mediator guides it, asks the right questions, and helps you both explore options that might not have been obvious at the start. You stay in control of the outcome. There’s no judge making a final decision for you. Just a safe space to be heard and to listen, and—hopefully—come to a resolution that works for everyone involved.

Now, when you find yourself caught up in a commercial dispute, your first instinct might be to call a solicitor and prepare for a legal fight. And yes, there are situations where that’s absolutely the right move. A commercial dispute solicitor can help you understand your rights, highlight any risks, and make sure you’re negotiating from a strong, informed position.

But dragging a dispute through the commercial court isn’t always the best option. In most cases, it should be your last resort—not your first step

What many don’t realise is that taking someone to court is often the most expensive, time-consuming, and stressful option. Court proceedings can drag on for months—sometimes years. And by the time it’s done, both parties involved are usually worse off than when they started.

When you go to court, your dispute becomes public record. Mediation keeps everything private, so you don’t risk harming your business relationships or brand reputation. More importantly, mediation focuses on solutions rather than blame. In business, you don’t just want to win—you want to move forward without unnecessary damage.

The business community is leaning more and more toward alternative dispute resolution—especially mediation—because it’s quicker, more flexible, and far less damaging to relationships. While commercial litigation still has its place, especially for more complex matters, mediation allows you to stay in control and work towards a practical outcome—without the time, cost, and stress of a courtroom battle.

When you’re dealing with a serious business dispute, choosing the right mediator can make all the difference. With nearly 40 years of experience—first as a solicitor, then as a barrister and King’s Counsel—Peter Shaw brings a rare mix of legal expertise and practical insight to the table. He’s been at the heart of complex cases involving shareholder disagreements, partnership breakdowns, insolvency, fraud, and commercial litigation.

What makes Peter a strong choice isn’t just his legal background—it’s his real-world experience in mediation. He’s taken part in countless mediations as counsel, so he knows what each side is going through. That means he doesn’t just listen—he understands. He’s skilled at spotting what’s really driving the conflict and helping parties move beyond positions to practical solutions.

Peter also knows that mediation isn’t just about the facts—it’s about people. He’s trained extensively in communication and brings a calm, focused energy to every session. He’s approachable, thoughtful, and not afraid to ask the tough questions that help get to the heart of the issue.

For anyone considering the best way to resolve a business dispute without heading straight to court, Peter offers a balanced, insightful approach. He has a deep understanding of the risks, the costs, and the emotions that come with commercial litigation—and he works to find outcomes that are fair, realistic, and allow everyone to move forward. If you want a mediator who truly gets it, Peter Shaw is someone you’ll want on your side.

Find the Right Path Forward

Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown in partnership agreements or issues that fall outside your usual complaints procedure, commercial dispute resolution—especially through mediation—gives you a smarter, more flexible way to move forward. It’s about resolving problems early, before they become costly distractions for your business. Mediation helps protect your business relationships, save time, and keep you focused on growth.

If you’re ready to resolve your dispute efficiently and professionally, get in touch today to explore how mediation can work for you.