Do Not Let A Dispute Distract You From Your Business

A major dispute with a supplier or customer can jeopardise your entire business, especially when a contract is of strategic importance. Resolving disagreements at the earliest opportunity is key to ensuring that a supply chain relationship does not break down irretrievably. It also can be a major distraction from the day-to-day running of the business. We can help to relieve both the distraction and ease the stress and pressure.

The litigation team at Ware & Kay understands the commercial issues at stake, and getting us involved early can ensure that you keep your business on track.

Prevention is of course always better than cure. An important step in avoiding any business dispute is to ensure that you have correctly drawn up terms and conditions that are bespoke to your business. Buying a standard set of terms and conditions off the internet or copying from a friend's business can be an expensive mistake.

As your solicitor, we are experienced in handling disputes over a wide range of areas, including:

• Professional negligence - where a business has received bad advice from an adviser such as an accountant or architect, we can seek compensation for negligent advice. If on the other hand, you have been accused of professional negligence, then one of our solicitors in our litigation team can defend you.
• Performance disputes - where you are relying on suppliers, and their supply chain, problems can occur due to a missed deadline or substandard goods and services. This has a knock-on effect with regard to your own ability to produce goods and services to the quality that your customers expect.  As your solicitor we can seek a range of remedies on your behalf.
• Payment disputes - these remain a problem, despite the upturn in the economy, and our specialist debt recovery team can help you get your cash flow back on track.
• Construction disputes - where your business is aiming to expand, delays in construction of new premises literally cost you on a daily basis.  We have particular expertise in taking cases to the Technology and Construction section of the High Court.
• Online disputes - the growth in online business has also led to new challenges for businesses such as online fraud, copyright theft and even defamation of directors.

Not all disputes have to end up in court, although when they do, the Ware & Kay litigation team has an enviable track record of success. Alternative approaches include mediation, which is particularly useful where you are keen to maintain a good working relationship, and arbitration which has the benefit of confidentiality.

It is important to explore the pros and cons of each approach as every dispute is different. A bespoke strategy will ensure that you get the result that is best for your business.

Published: January 2015

Contact us:

For advice on contract disputes, contact a member of our litigation and dispute resolution team on York 01904 716000 or Wetherby 01937 583210.

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