Mediator profile - Nick Cheshire
I am a Civil Mediation Council (CMC) Accredited Mediator, Member of the Society of Mediators (MSoM) and the Director of Harbour Mediation. With more than 20 years’ experience working across commercial, legal and charitable sectors. I support businesses and individuals in resolving civil, commercial and workplace disputes across Devon, the South West and nationally.
My background spans multinational corporations, major law firms and third-sector organisations, giving me a broad understanding of commercial risk, legal complexity and the emotional pressures that sit behind many disputes.
I have experience dealing with a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, with particular focus on commercial contract disputes, intellectual property matters, landlord and tenant disputes, boundary disputes, construction related matters, contentious probate and inheritance disputes and a wide range of employment and workplace disputes.
I have worked in senior roles within multinational organisations, including Thales Group, where I worked as an international commercial contracts manager. I negotiated and administered high-value, complex agreements, including international aerospace contracts, software licensing, intellectual property provisions and OEM arrangements. This experience gave me a good understanding of how disputes arise within organisations and the competing pressures around cost, reputation and risk management.
Alongside my commercial work, I have held senior roles within the charitable sector. I am Director of the literacy charity Little Free Library Project UK and have managed legacy funding for a major Devon-based charity. These roles have strengthened my skills in sensitive negotiation, governance and consensus-building, particularly where emotional, financial and reputational considerations intersect.
I have also worked within national and international law firms, including Gowling WLG, London and Foot Anstey, Exeter, complementing my mediation practice with hands-on legal experience. I hold a BA in Politics and International Relations, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. I completed my Civil and Commercial Mediation training with the Society of Mediators, Middle Temple, London.
Member Society of Mediators (MSoM)
