RESOURCES

Introduction When it comes to family businesses, disputes can be particularly complex and emotionally charged. Unlike typical corporate disagreements, family dynamics add a layer of personal relationships that can complicate conflict resolution. This is where mediation emerges as a vital tool, offering a pathway to amicable resolutions that preserve both the business's health and family harmony. Understanding the Unique Challenges In family businesses, disputes often intertwi

Insights for Accountants and Trusted Advisers As accountants and trusted advisers, you play a pivotal role in guiding your clients through various business challenges. One of the more delicate situations involves navigating disputes, whether they are internal, with partners, or with other entities. Here's where the strategic intervention of a mediator can be invaluable. Let's explore why encouraging your clients to engage a mediator could be one of the best pieces of advice y

As we approach the Christmas break with excitement and anticipation, many of us are aware of a bubbling cauldron of family conflict which could flare up at any time. But this is said to be the season of peace and goodwill; so how well do we deal with these situations at Christmas. Here are some tips Let the emotions subside Until this happens you can't get started! In difficult negotiations in the real world, a mediator might be called in to facilitate these discussions and w

Boardroom Deadlock Are you a 50/50 owner of a small business? Are you in disagreement about how the company should be run? Are you in deadlock? Feeling frustrated? Are you in despair about how best to resolve an impasse? You’re not alone. This happens all the time. Particularly when the shareholders were friends when they started. If you have a shareholder agreement this may provide some options. Sometimes these options can work. Sometimes the options are clunky. In most case

Four hour mediations – the quick solution? The classic commercial mediation “model” involves bringing the parties together for a full day (seven or eight hours). This can be extended if the parties have not quite concluded their deal by the end of that time … assuming the rooms and other facilities are still available. But there are concerns that this model is not the most cost-effective. Parkinson’s Law dictates that when eight hours are set aside, (at least) eight hours wil

How will the mediation landscape be changed by the Fixed Recoverable Costs regime? The new Fixed Recoverable costs (“FRC”) regime took effect from 1 October 2023. It arrives as parties are being encouraged to mediate. Will it help? Here are some things to think about and some reasons why Flexible four hour online mediations will become more popular Lawyers will recognise need to get better at identifying the key issues Arguments about tracks and complexity banding will get me