When taking a complaint further with a business under the ADR Directive, consumers could be forgiven for believing that their only options are to go to an ombudsman or the Court, such is the weight of publicity that has greeted the launch of new ombudsman services...
Breaking up can be hard to do, particularly if you have been in a long term contractual relationship with a business! In times of austerity and competition, businesses are desperately keen to keep your business. It is reported that Sky TV is unwilling to let its...
In the Queen’s speech the government announced that it would be looking at a conciliation service to deal with late payment disputes between businesses. BIS has now announced a consultation on setting up a Small Business Commissioner to handle disputes between...
Holiday complaints are on the rise and in the age of social media, everyone is a reporter. Today, for example it was reported that holidaymakers complained when staff at a Turkish resort stormed the pool area with fake guns and cans of ‘fuel’. One guest...
Apparently Richard Branson’s top tips for success are: 1. Follow your dreams 2. Make a positive difference in the world 3. Believe in your ideas 4. Have fun and look after your team 5. Don’t give up 6. Make lots of lists 7. Get out there and do things 8....
Customers are increasingly complaining about difficulties in cancelling contracts, such as Sky TV. Now a frustrated BT customer claims to have been left on hold for more than 14 hours when he called to try cancelling his contract before finally hanging up. Paul...
Various new “ombudsmen” have trumpeted their arrival on the ADR scene recently. Consumers and businesses should be aware that these organisations will be issuing contractually binding decisions, unlike ProMediate, which offers a conciliation and mediation...
How important is it for a mediator to have detailed knowledge about the underlying subject matter of the dispute? It is commonly considered that the mediator needs to be qualified in the profession relevant to the dispute; that a case with deep legal issues requires a...
Mindfulness is the intentional, accepting and non-judgemental focus of one’s attention on the emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment. It is becoming “all the rage” amongst business leaders as a way of focusing on success...
The government has announced consultations about increasing Court fees as well as closing some Court buildings, that may result in fewer cases coming to Court and more ADR or online dispute resolution. The Court fees consultation closes on 15 September 2015, which is...
