Mediation panel launched to solve company disputes

Date: 11th June 2009

A new service has been set up to aid commercial enterprises in finding solutions to business disputes and avoid unnecessary legal costs.

The new facility, called the Resolving Commercial Disputes panel (RCDp), has been launched by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and ADR Group (ADRg).

The RCDp mediators are a collection of well-regarded lawyers and accountants.

These include a number of experts with decades of experience in both their relative field of accountancy or law and general commercial awareness, including Tony Blair's wife and member of the bar, Cherie Booth QC.

Mike Lind, managing director of ADRg, said: "The panel we have brought together has [many] skills. Companies who use [the RCDp] will have access to some of the best legal and financial acumen available."

He went on to say that despite the expertise of the panel, there would no doubt be challenges in need of a fresh approach.

Mr Lind added: "To find a solution requires not just knowledge and experience but also innovation."

The service is voluntary, free from formal procedures and entirely confidential.