Commercial mediation
WMS is a not-for-profit set up by renowned mediator Stephen Ruttle KC. We support businesses and organisations to resolve conflict through mediation – a confidential and voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps people reach an agreement they can all accept.
Areas of expertise:
- Consumer disputes
- Partnership and contracts
- Property and construction
- Debt and inheritance
- Public sector
- Education
Why WMS?
1. Top mediators, low rates. Access some of the UK’s most experienced mediators at charitable rates.
2. For a good cause. Our mediators work pro bono, every penny supports our charitable services.
3. Proven results. 92% success rate for commercial and workplace mediations in 2025.
4. Fast and flexible. Mediation can be arranged within 3-4 weeks, online or in person.
4 benefits of commercial mediation:
1. Mediation is a cheaper and faster alternative to court proceedings.
2. Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process. It only takes place when both parties agree to mediate and sign up to complete confidentiality.
3. Mediators are not judges, nor do they provide any verdict on the case. But they do provide a space for effective communication. They facilitate the discussion and help parties arrive at an outcome that everyone is happy to accept and move forward with.
4. The courts look favourably upon parties who have tried to resolve the dispute through mediation, even if an agreement wasn’t reached.
What happens in commercial mediation?
Getting started
- To get started, contact us to let us know that everyone involved is willing to try mediation and the size of the claim. You can do this yourself or through a lawyer.
- Our case managers will confirm the fee, the expected length of the session and invoice details, and ask for contact details for everyone attending.
- We’ll appoint a mediator from our panel with the right experience for the type of case, and let everyone know who that is along with their CV.
- The mediator will contact everyone to agree a date, and may ask for a short position paper and any relevant documents ahead of the session. They may also arrange a brief call beforehand to get a clearer picture of the issues.
- Everyone attending will be asked to sign an Agreement to Mediate before the session takes place.
On the day
- Mediation takes place via Zoom or at an agreed venue. Everyone can attend alone, with a lawyer, or with a friend.
- The mediator starts with a short joint session with everyone in the room, then meets with each person privately.
- The mediator moves between the rooms to help everyone find a way forward. These conversations are confidential — everyone can speak freely, and nothing is passed on without permission.
- If an agreement is reached, everyone can come back together to discuss and sign a settlement agreement. This brings any related court case to an end. If no agreement is reached on the day, negotiations can continue afterwards.
- All details of any settlement agreement remain confidential.
After the session
- Our case managers will send out a short feedback form to everyone involved and close the case.
- For more detail on the process and timings, see our FAQ section.
Commercial mediation Questions
For claims up to £50,000, our fees follow the Civil Mediation Council’s fixed fee scheme. VAT is not currently applicable.
| Value of case | Fees per party (no VAT) |
| £1,000 to £4,999 | £125 |
| £5,000 to £14,999 | £320 |
| £15,000 to £49,999 | £445 |
| £50,000 to £74,999 | £500 |
| £75,000 to £99,999 | £700 |
| £100,000 to £249,999 | £900 |
| £250,000 and above | Price on enquiry. |
As a registered charity, our aim is to make mediation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. If your business is facing conflict but has financial constraints, please reach out to us – we may be able to offer flexible rates to help.
Cases that are not suitable for commercial mediation:
- if the value of the claim is under £1,000;
- if you do not have contact details for the other party; and
- if the other party does not have the money to pay you, even if they agree that they owe you money.
If you are unsure whether your case is suitable for mediation, or if you require guidance about the mediation process, please contact us.
Yes, if everyone involved in mediation agrees to a solution and it’s written down and signed, this settlement agreement becomes legally binding. A settlement becomes legally binding only once it has been duly signed by all parties involved.
Yes, we do. Our mediators are fully trained to conduct mediation sessions online.
Online mediation means you can resolve disputes quicker, and from the comfort of your home. All you need is a computer or mobile phone, a webcam and a quiet location. Our dedicated case managers will provide detailed instructions and guide you through the set-up.