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Commercial Litigation & Business Dispute Resolution Solicitors

Business savvy solutions for your legal conflicts

Commercial legal disputes can waste a lot of time and money, as well as being an unwelcome distraction from the day-to-day running of your business. Our legal experts can quickly cut to the heart of the matter and find solutions that match your business goals.

At Taylor Fordyce, we know how easy it is for the parties in a dispute to become fixed on their side of the argument, making it very difficult for them to see a way forward that doesn’t involve giving ground in areas where they are not willing or able to compromise.

However, our talent as commercial dispute resolution lawyers is in finding a way around these issues. We use creative thinking and a lateral approach to achieve an amicable agreement between the parties wherever possible or secure the right result for you in court where required.

We will always begin by carefully analysing the issues and getting a clear understanding of your business priorities. That way we can make sure your best interests are put first at all times as we develop strategies to resolve your dispute.

Our commercial dispute resolution team are highly experienced in achieving negotiated solutions and pursuing court action, so whatever the best option is for you and your business, we can provide the expert guidance and skilled advocacy you need.

We have local teams in Winchester, Sunningdale, Alresford, and London, allowing us to offer a convenient local service for business clients across Hampshire, Berkshire and the South East.

Speak to one of our commercial litigation solicitors now by calling 01962 841041 or use the contact form on the right to ask a question.

Our expertise in business dispute resolution

We can assist clients with all types of commercial disputes, whether related to personal claims involving individuals or litigation resulting from disputes between businesses and other organisations.

Our specific commercial litigation expertise includes:

Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out what our team of commercial litigation experts can do to assist you.  You can do so with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we have the depth and breadth of collective expertise to provide the best possible support during what can be a very challenging time for you and your business.

How we can help you to resolve a business dispute in the right way for your commercial priorities

Pre-action business dispute resolution

Many business disputes can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively through the early intervention of our skilled litigation team. This can allow you to avoid the time, expense, uncertainty and stress associated with court proceedings, while allowing you to stay in control of the outcome and keep your dispute private.

Our commercial litigation solicitors can:

  • Advise you on your legal position
  • Explain your options for resolving the dispute
  • Draft a ‘letter before action’ to be sent to the other party or parties in a dispute to seek an amicable resolution
  • Deal with any follow-up correspondence with the other party or parties

A letter before action will cover:

  • The nature of the dispute
  • Your legal position
  • Details of any relevant contracts and agreements, as well as applicable statutes and regulations
  • The outcome you are seeking
  • The date by which you wish to see a resolution
  • That further action will be taken if a settlement is not agreed

Experience shows that our team are highly effective in pre-action business dispute resolution, with a strong track record of successfully negotiating favourable outcomes for our clients under even the most difficult circumstances.

Alternative Dispute Resolution for businesses

Sometimes, the parties to a business dispute cannot immediately agree a resolution but are keen to avoid court proceedings. In such cases, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can offer a welcome opportunity to bring the parties together and work towards an amicable outcome.

There are various options for commercial ADR, but the two most commonly used are:

Private negotiation – where the parties and their respective solicitors meet to discuss the points of conflict and work towards agreeing a positive way forward.

Both options can be very effective and are usually much faster and less costly that court proceedings. They also allow the parties to keep control of how their dispute is resolved, rather than leaving this to a judge, and prevent the dispute becoming public knowledge.

Our business dispute resolution solicitors can advise you on the different ADR options available and whether they may be suitable for your situation. We can then support you through the process and review any agreement you reach to make sure it reflects your business’s best interests.

Find out more about our expertise with Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Court litigation for business disputes

Where an amicable solution cannot be reached, court proceedings may sometimes be required. In such cases, it is important to make sure your case is prepared immaculately and that you have the very best representation.

Our commercial litigation team can help you prepare for court proceedings, making sure your case is as strong as it possibly can be. We can then ensure you have expert representation for every stage of proceedings, so you can be confident your case will be presented the right way and that you will have the best chance of getting the outcome you need.

Our business dispute resolution fees

Fixed fee business dispute resolution

Where appropriate, we can act on a fixed fee basis, providing certainty over the costs involved in dealing with your internal business dispute.

Hourly rates for business dispute resolution

If you need ongoing support, we can offer competitive hourly rates based on the level of expertise required. We will provide a realistic estimate of costs upfront and all expenditure will be agreed in advance, so you stay in complete control at all times.

Commercial litigation and business dispute resolution FAQs

What is commercial litigation?

People often think of litigation as ‘taking someone to court’, however, it really just means taking any type of legal action. While court proceedings are a type of litigation, there are alternatives that can sometimes be a better option.

These alternatives include negotiation, where you and your solicitors discuss the issues with the other party or parties and their lawyers. 

We will always advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective approach for your situation, while keeping a firm focus on achieving the best possible result for you and your business.

I’ve received a statutory demand for a debt I do not owe – can I ignore it?

No, you should never ignore a statutory demand, even if you believe it has been sent in error. If you do not respond to the demand, the creditor can take further action, such as issuing a Bankruptcy Petition against you or (if you are a limited company) applying for a ‘winding up order’ to force your company into compulsory liquidation.

The guidance notes included in the statutory demand should make it clear that you only have 18 days after being served to make a response. The available responses are usually to pay the debt, agree a payment plan or dispute the debt.

To dispute a statutory demand, you will need to apply to the relevant court to set aside the demand (individuals) or serving notice of dispute with an explanation as to why it is disputed (companies).

If the 18-day time limit to respond has already passed, you can seek the court’s permission to apply out of time. However, there is no guarantee that the court will grant this permission and, even if they do, you are likely to be ordered to pay the creditor’s costs incurred due to the late application, even if it is found that the statutory demand was issued in error.

Speak to our commercial litigation solicitors now

To discuss how we can help with your internal business dispute in complete confidence, please contact our local teams in Winchester, Sunningdale, Alresford, and London.

Alternatively, you can use the links below to get in touch.

 

For further information follow the links on the right-hand side.

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