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We aim to provide a high quality mediation service for civil and commercial disputes at a sensible price. We are:
Nationally rated
Both Martin Plowman and Susan Blake, are ranked in the top dozen commercial mediators in the UK by the independent National Mediator Database League Table, based on client feedback, with Martin having been rated in the top three mediators in the country for ten consecutive years. Martin is also the author of Zen and the Art of Mediation, published by Law Brief Publishing.
Mediating during the Pandemic
Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic we have continued to mediate by online video conference with considerable success. The UK Government requires work to be done from home (i.e., online) if possible. This requirement is set to continue until June 21 2021 at the earliest. The position is to be reviewed in the run up to that date, and as a result of that review the requirement to work at home may be continued beyond June 21, or relaxed from that date*. Any relaxation from June 21 may be subject to continued restrictions**. Fortunately, mediation works well online. Settlement rates are comparable to those for face to face mediation. Online technology allows clients, solicitors and counsel to join an online mediation from different locations, and provides virtual rooms where each side can confer in confidence. Until face-to-face mediation is possible without restrictions, we recommend online mediaiton on pure mediation grounds as we find it to be more effective than mediation that is socially distanced and / or where the participants are masked and / or where the mediation is subject to time limits or other Covid related restraints. Accordingly, we accept all bookings on the basis that the mediation will take place online, but we will review the position after June 21 2021 in the light of both Government rules and what is then necessary to ensure the health of those attending our mediations. Where, exceptionally, online mediation is simply not possible, we will mediate in accordance with our Coronavirus Protocol in order to ensure that mediations can take place as safely as possible.
Accessible
You can check our mediators' availability online.
Experienced
We have conducted over 1,000 commercial mediations. The feedback we've received is available to view.
Transparent.
We don't charge extra for "booking fees". Nor "preparation". Nor "extra hours" on the mediation day. These mediation fees are what you actually pay.
Commercial
Our mediation fees are in proportion to the amount in dispute.
National
We mediate nationally. And we don't usually charge travel costs.
Experienced in online mediation
We are experienced in mediating online by video conference: mediation without the stress of travel or (in these troubled times) the risk of infection.
Quality Assured
We are accredited by the Civil Mediation Council and we comply with the European Code of Conduct for Mediators.
Approachable
We are always happy to discuss whether a case is suitable for mediation. Without obligation.
* "Covid-19 Response - Spring 2021", presented to Parliament by the Prime Minister on 22 February 2021, see in particular paragraphs 106, 115, 125 and 145.
** "Covid-19 Response - Spring 2021", presented to Parliament by the Prime Minister on 22 February 2021, see in particular paragraph 145
