Mediation Services Are Not About Compromise. They’re About Control.

CEDR’s commercial mediation services offer a structured process that gives you more than just compromise; they give you control. Unlike court or arbitration, our mediation services keep the decision-making in your hands, with no rulings imposed and no pressure to settle.

Our expert commercial mediators are completely neutral. Their role is to help both sides move forward, faster, confidentially, and often more cost-effectively than litigation.

What is Commercial Mediation?

Mediation is one of the most effective ways to resolve disputes while retaining control and confidentiality. CEDR’s commercial mediation services are designed to help individuals and organisations resolve conflicts quickly and constructively, guided by an expert commercial mediator.

Common Myths vs. The Reality

Unlike court or arbitration, you stay in control. Every conversation remains confidential, and without prejudice (meaning nothing discussed is able to be used against you in court) if no agreement is reached.
It’s not legally binding unless you choose to make it so. Any binding settlement is yours to sign, only if and when you decide.
It’s not therapy. It’s future-focused problem-solving, structured to move disputes forward.
It’s not a compromise imposed by someone else. You decide the outcome, or choose to walk away.

CEDR’s approach to commercial mediation puts agency firmly in your hands, providing a structured yet flexible process that works across industries and dispute types.

For a deeper look at how mediation works, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively, see our comprehensive Knowledge Base overview: What is mediation?

What Kind of Dispute Are You Facing?

Whether you're a legal representative looking for a fast route to settlement or a business leader facing a commercial dispute, CEDR helps you act quickly and confidently.

Commercial Mediation Tailored to Your Situation

We resolve thousands of disputes every year across sectors like:

Commercial contracts and partnerships

Property, construction and landlord-tenant issues

Insurance, banking and financial services

Employment and workplace breakdowns

Cross-border and international disputes

Technology, energy, healthcare and more

CEDR’s commercial mediation services are designed to work with your situation. No matter how complex, we can match you with a commercial mediator who understands your context and can move fast.

Find a Mediator

Explore Our Mediator Panels and Schemes

Our accredited mediators work across a wide range of panels and schemes, giving you fast access to specialists with the right sector knowledge, legal expertise, and experience. From commercial disputes to regulated schemes, each panel is built on trust, independence, and proven results.

Felicity Steadman

Mediator

Felicity Steadman

Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

Every mediation is a unique story. I love helping disputing parties understand that story and work out the best way forward with them. I am motivated by the value of consensus-building through creative problem-solving. I am proud of my legacy of 36 years of working as a mediator and facilitator in conflicts between individuals, groups and organisations both in the UK and internationally, but particularly in South Africa, where the legacy of apartheid has left an indelible mark.

Employment & Workplace
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice

Amrik Kandola

Commercial Mediator

Amrik Kandola

Commercial Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

Disputes disrupt, often destroy, commercial relationships which may have taken years to build. Court action often means costs and time spiralling out of control, yet most disputes never reach final hearing. Mediation is how business can reclaim control of disputes. Helping parties reach negotiated settlements is not easy and carries great responsibility. The satisfaction from securing parties' trust, working through difficult moments and landing on a deal that works for them is what drives me as a mediator.

Private Client
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Industry, Energy & Environment
International Trade & Competition
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Gillian Caroe

Mediator

Gillian Caroe

Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

I became a mediator because I witnessed first-hand the devastating cost of conflict to people and organisations. Having spent years in international business at Mars Inc, I understand commercial pressures while recognising that even the toughest contractual disputes have people at their centre. I'm passionate about helping parties move from negative, entrenched positions to creative, practical resolution that enables them to move forward successfully.

Employment & Workplace
Private Client
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice
Industry, Energy & Environment
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Alan Jacobs

Mediator

Alan Jacobs

Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

The thought that I can make a positive difference to parties engaged together in a dispute and help them to find a compromise that enables them to move on gives me so much motivation and personal satisfaction. In particular, I am always feel honoured when mediating a clinical negligence or personal injury dispute where the subject matter can be so personal, sensitive and emotional to the claimant and so serious and important to the defendant and their staff.

Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice
Industry, Energy & Environment
International Trade & Competition
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Eve Pienaar

Mediator

Eve Pienaar

Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

Passionate about affording parties in conflict with the power of mediation. I work with clients to adapt the mediation process to best suit their needs and set every mediation up with the best chance of reaching settlement, in an inclusive manner. It is a privilege to work in a continually evolving profession. I particularly enjoy the crossover between negotiation and the human dimension of dispute resolution.

Employment & Workplace
Private Client
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice
Industry, Energy & Environment
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Tracey Fox

Non-Executive Director and Mediator

Tracey Fox

Non-Executive Director and Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

Creating space for people to move from conflict to resolution with clarity and respect. Supporting individuals and groups to problem-solve together and find solutions that last. It is a privilege to do work that is both aligned with my values and deeply transformative, helping people leave conversations with renewed understanding and possibility.

Employment & Workplace
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice
Industry, Energy & Environment
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Eileen Carroll KC (Hon)

Principal Mediator & Co-Founder

Eileen Carroll KC (Hon)

Principal Mediator & Co-Founder

View Full Profile

Biography

I take pride in having a very proactive approach to mediation and the trust that clients and lawyers have placed in me to be on top of the detail and use my skill and experience to create the best environment for opponents to negotiate. “Eileen is energetic, friendly and immensely experienced. She creates a dynamic that drives towards finding a solution and offers a degree of insight that few others can match."

Employment & Workplace
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Industry, Energy & Environment
International Trade & Competition
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Fiona Colquhoun

Principal Consultant & Mediator

Fiona Colquhoun

Principal Consultant & Mediator

View Full Profile

Biography

I learn something new from every mediation, despite having conducted 500+ cases. My mediations are commercial , tough, but often sensitive. I work in all sectors and sometimes in the public domain. I am patient, but persistent in reaching the core issues and providing a forum where parties can discuss and negotiate openly. I understand people and often deal with the ‘unexpected’ or moderate anger. When parties settle and the mediation has changed lives positively- I am satisfied .

Employment & Workplace
Private Client
Commercial & Corporate
Construction, Property & Planning
Banking, Finance & Insurances
Public Sector & Governance
Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
Equality & Social Justice
Industry, Energy & Environment
Healthcare & Personal Matters
Technology, Media & IP

Find a Mediation Scheme

CEDR operates a wide range of mediation and dispute resolution schemes for courts, regulators, industry bodies and major organisations. If you are a customer, business, member, or party needing to submit a case under one of these schemes, you can access the correct process directly from our scheme pages.

View Schemes

Need a mediation solution tailored to your specific dispute?

Not every conflict fits neatly into a standard scheme. Bespoke mediation gives you a completely customised approach - designed around your dispute's unique circumstances, timing, and commercial needs.

Mediation Works - Even for Complex or High-Stakes Commercial Disputes

The power of mediation isn’t just in reaching agreement, it’s in helping people feel heard, regain control, and resolve even the most difficult disputes.

These real examples show how our commercial mediation services have helped individuals and organisations avoid litigation, reputational damage, and leadership breakdown.

Executive Conflict in a Leadership Team

Situation:

Breakdown between a Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive threatened to destabilise the entire leadership team.

Approach:

Mediation created space for both parties to express their views safely and explore forward options.

Outcome:

A negotiated exit package and agreed reference helped both parties move on without legal proceedings.

Commercial Dispute with Allegations of Fraud

Situation:

Two large organisations clashed over a cleaning contract, with one alleging financial misrepresentation.

Approach:

CEOs were brought together for structured dialogue, supported by private sessions to clarify facts and priorities.

Outcome:

The dispute was resolved with an apology and compensation, avoiding reputational damage and court action.

High-Stakes Employment Case Involving PTSD

Situation:

An employee with PTSD faced a high-value employment dispute following traumatic workplace events.

Approach:

Mediation gave the individual a confidential, respectful space to be heard and propose acceptable terms.

Outcome:

The parties agreed a settlement, including a new job reference, without the stress of litigation.

The Gold Standard in Mediation, Trusted Across Sectors and Borders

CEDR is one of the UK’s longest-established providers of commercial mediation services, with over 35 years’ experience resolving disputes efficiently, confidentially, and on your terms. Every year, our mediation services support thousands of organisations, from SMEs to FTSE companies and public bodies.

Our internationally recognised approach gives businesses and legal teams the confidence to tackle even the most complex cases, from partnership breakdowns to multi-billion-pound conflicts, while keeping control firmly in your hands.

Whether you need a commercial mediator with sector-specific expertise or a structured commercial mediation process that guarantees neutrality and confidentiality, CEDR provides comprehensive support at every stage.

Find the Right Mediator

FW-CEDR-3-Mediation-Professionals-Debate-at-a-tall-desk (1)

Trusted by global brands and industry regulators

FW-CEDR-4-Professionals-work-in-a-Corporate-Office-in-glass-high-rise

Not Just Any Mediator. The Right Commercial Mediator for Your Case.

Every dispute is unique, and so is the commercial mediator best placed to resolve it. That’s why we don’t leave your match to chance, lists or algorithms.

At CEDR, your dedicated Client Relationship Associate (CRA) will take the time to understand the context of your dispute and guide you to the most suitable mediator, based on sector knowledge, case complexity, communication style and, where helpful, personal preferences like gender or language.

From first enquiry to follow-up, your CRA manages the entire process with care and precision.

What Your Client Relationship Associate Will Do:

Understand

the dynamics of your dispute and what’s at stake, so our commercial mediation services are tailored to your situation.

Recommend

the most suitable commercial mediator, considering sector expertise, case complexity, and interpersonal fit.

Manage

paperwork, logistics and pre-session communication, ensuring your mediation services run smoothly from the outset.

Oversee

the process end-to-end, giving you confidence that every stage of your commercial mediation is fully supported.

What to Expect from Our Commercial Mediation Process

You’ll be supported throughout by a neutral mediator and a dedicated Client Relationship Associate (CRA).

Here’s how it works:

Agreement to Mediate

Before the session, both parties sign a Mediation Agreement to ensure confidentiality and commitment to the process.

Pre-Mediation Preparation

Your mediator and CRA will help clarify the issues, agree logistics, and prepare materials to ensure a productive session.

Private Sessions

Each party speaks confidentially with the mediator to explore concerns, priorities, and potential options, in a safe and neutral space.

Joint Sessions

Where appropriate, the mediator facilitates dialogue between parties to share perspectives and identify areas of agreement.

Agreement or Next Steps

If a settlement is reached, the mediator helps draft a written agreement. Even if not, most parties move significantly closer to resolution.

You’re never on your own. Your CRA manages everything from booking and preparation through to post-mediation follow-up, ensuring a smooth and supported experience throughout.

A High Success Rate and Value, Even Without Agreement

CEDR’s mediation services consistently help parties move forward, whether by settling on the day or by unlocking progress that leads to resolution shortly after.

Around 70 - 80% of cases settle during the session. When they don’t, most still walk away with a clearer understanding, narrowed issues, and stronger control of the next steps.

We don’t just track outcomes, we track satisfaction. Even in unresolved cases, clients rate our commercial mediation process highly because they feel heard, supported, and in control.

Why organisations trust our results:

of CEDR mediations result in same-day settlement

of cases resolved annually, from individual workplace issues to high-value commercial mediation

of professional disputes are resolved in under 10 hours, through CEDR mediation

Still Have Questions About Commercial Mediation?

Whether you’re exploring commercial mediation for the first time or comparing providers, we’ve answered some common questions below. Prefer to speak to someone directly? Our experts are ready to help.

Is mediation legally binding?

Only if both parties choose to sign a written agreement at the end of the session. Mediation gives you full control over the outcome.

What if we can’t agree during the session?

That’s okay. Many disputes settle shortly after. Mediation helps narrow the issues and set a constructive path forward.

Is everything we say confidential?

Yes. Mediation is completely confidential. All parties sign a Mediation Agreement protecting privacy. Nothing discussed can be used in legal proceedings.

How do I know which mediator is right for us?

You don’t need to decide alone. Our Client Relationship Associates will match you with the right mediator based on style, experience, and your sector.

Can I request a specific mediator?

Yes. You can choose a CEDR-accredited mediator or ask us to recommend a shortlist. If needed, we’ll nominate someone suitable based on your case.

Do you offer mediation online or in person?

Both. CEDR supports online, in-person and hybrid mediation. Over 60% of sessions are now conducted remotely via secure video.

How long does a typical mediation take?

Most mediations last between 5–10 hours, including preparation. Timings can vary depending on case complexity.

What does mediation cost?

Costs are typically split between parties. CEDR offers fixed-fee packages based on dispute complexity, covering up to 7 hours of mediation. Additional prep, venue hire, or cancellations may incur extra fees.

See Our Full Knowledge Base

Not Sure Commercial Mediation Is Right for You?

Explore other dispute resolution options including adjudication, arbitration and more.

See All Dispute Services

Resolve Conflict with Commercial Mediation and Legal ADR Services

Global panel of Mediators

Build Skills in Mediation, Conflict Management, and Effective Communication

Build Your Skills

Transform Your Workplace With a Tailored Conflict Resolution Strategy

Insights to Help You Handle Conflict Better

The CEDR Mediation Audit 2025

Search CEDR

Mediation Services Are Not About Compromise. They’re About Control.

What is Commercial Mediation?

Common Myths vs. The Reality

What Kind of Dispute Are You Facing?

Commercial Mediation Tailored to Your Situation

Commercial contracts and partnerships

Property, construction and landlord-tenant issues

Insurance, banking and financial services

Employment and workplace breakdowns

Cross-border and international disputes

Technology, energy, healthcare and more

Explore Our Mediator Panels and Schemes

Felicity Steadman

Felicity Steadman

Biography

Expertise

Amrik Kandola

Amrik Kandola

Biography

Expertise

Gillian Caroe

Gillian Caroe

Biography

Expertise

Alan Jacobs

Alan Jacobs

Biography

Expertise

Eve Pienaar

Eve Pienaar

Biography

Expertise

Tracey Fox

Tracey Fox

Biography

Expertise

Eileen Carroll KC (Hon)

Eileen Carroll KC (Hon)

Biography

Expertise

Fiona Colquhoun

Fiona Colquhoun

Biography

Expertise

Find a Mediation Scheme

Need a mediation solution tailored to your specific dispute?

Mediation Works - Even for Complex or High-Stakes Commercial Disputes

Executive Conflict in a Leadership Team

Situation:

Approach:

Outcome:

Commercial Dispute with Allegations of Fraud

Situation:

Approach:

Outcome:

High-Stakes Employment Case Involving PTSD

Situation:

Approach:

Outcome:

The Gold Standard in Mediation, Trusted Across Sectors and Borders

Trusted by global brands and industry regulators

Not Just Any Mediator. The Right Commercial Mediator for Your Case.

What Your Client Relationship Associate Will Do:

Understand

Recommend

Manage

Oversee

What to Expect from Our Commercial Mediation Process

Agreement to Mediate

Pre-Mediation Preparation

Private Sessions

Joint Sessions