Contract and Commercial Disputes
Our lead mediator, Nick Cheshire brings extensive commercial contract experience to mediation, having worked in-house as an international commercial contracts manager for major multinational organisations including Thales Group. During his corporate career, Nick negotiated and managed high-value, complex commercial agreements across a wide range of jurisdictions. He has extensive experience as a negotiator coupled with an excellent knowledge of contract law. Nick has a post-graduate diploma in law and legal practice and is a member of the World Commerce and Contracting Association. Nick brings this knowledge and experience with him into each mediation.
If you would like to instruct Harbour Mediation or would like to discuss your matter in confidence to determine if mediation is a suitable option, please contact us.
Breach of contract disputes
Whether you're contracting internationally or a small business owner, know one welcomes litigation. When disputes arise, effective communication is one of the best ways to explore commercially viable resolutions. More and more businesses are recognising that mediation is an effective, time efficient means of resolving contractual disputes preventing the time, cost and reputational damage of court proceedings.
Contractual debts and unpaid invoices
One of the most common forms of disputes arises when invoices and debts go unpaid causing financial strain on your business and potentially damaging impacts on business relationships.
Early intervention through mediation provides an opportunity to discuss and evaluate payment proposals, maintain important business relationships and explore legally binding contractual arrangements.
Professional services and agency agreement disputes
Disputes with professional service providers or agents working on your behalf can cause substantial upheaval, damaging important relationships and impacting costs and profits.
Mediation allows a neutral party to explore the best way forward commercially, enabling businesses to minimise time away from the office and avoid the lengthy and expensive impacts of potential litigation.
Family businesses, farms and trusts
Devon is home to many farm businesses from small family farms to large agribusiness. When disputes arise in any context the impact can be debilitating on both the business and relationships, both with employees or family members.
Mediation provides a constructive opportunity to assess the dispute and explore practical, commercially viable solutions without the need to engage in expensive, time draining court proceedings, whilst aiming to retain and preserve important relationships.
Insurance claims
Insurance disputes commonly arise between policyholders, insurers and brokers in relation to coverage, indemnity, policy interpretation and quantum. Issues may include declined claims, alleged non-disclosure or misrepresentation and professional negligence claims.
Whether the dispute concerns property damage, professional indemnity, construction risks or personal injury claims, mediation is a highly beneficial means of resolving complex insurance matters swiftly and commercially, while preserving business relationships where appropriate.
Harbour Mediation Limited - Privacy Policy.
© 2026. All rights reserved
