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.
How does it work?
Referral
- Client (or their lawyer) contacts us and confirms that both parties in the dispute are willing to try mediation.
- Our case managers confirm charges, scheduled length of mediation and invoice details. They ask for contact details (email and mobile) for all parties who will be present at the mediation.
- The case managers appoint a mediator from our panel with the necessary specialisations for this type of dispute and inform parties of their name and CV details.
- The mediator contacts all parties to agree a date for the mediation, and asks for a short position paper and relevant supporting documents be sent directly to him/her.
- The case managers send out standard “Agreement to Mediate” to be signed by all attending the mediation, and invoices.
Joint meeting
- Mediation takes place via zoom or at agreed location. Parties can attend alone or with a lawyer or a friend.
- The mediator holds a short joint introductory session with both parties together, and then meets with each party privately.
- The mediator shuttles between rooms to help the parties find a resolution. These are confidential meetings, so each party can speak freely and openly to the mediator, who will not pass on any information without permission.
- If a settlement is reached, the parties can regroup to discuss a formal agreement and its terms. Parties can then sign the settlement agreement and, where relevant, bring any court case to an end. If there is no settlement reached on the day, parties can resume negotiations later.
- Mediator informs our case managers if mediation is successful, but all details of the settlement agreement if drawn up remain confidential.
- Case managers send out feedback forms to all parties involved, and closes the case.
- For more information about the process and timings, please refer to 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.