Commercial Dispute Resolution

At Coole Bevis, our Commercial Dispute Resolution team is composed of leading solicitors with a deep understanding of the legal complexities that arise in business disputes. Our extensive experience across a wide range of sectors enables us to deliver strategic, effective solutions to resolve conflicts swiftly and efficiently. Whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation, we are here to help you navigate the challenging landscape of commercial disputes with confidence.

Our commitment to providing timely, tailored advice ensures that we safeguard your business interests while seeking the best possible outcomes in every case.

How We Can Help

With decades of experience, we have successfully represented clients from diverse industries including retail, property development, manufacturing, technology, and financial services. Our team has advised on and resolved disputes involving breach of contract, partnership disagreements, professional negligence, and shareholder disputes, among others.

We understand that disputes can be disruptive and costly to your business. That’s why we offer a pragmatic, results-driven approach, aiming to resolve matters as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Our focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome while minimising the impact on your business.

By establishing strong relationships with our clients, we gain an in-depth understanding of your business and its objectives. This allows us to provide tailored, strategic advice and support throughout the dispute resolution process. You’ll have a dedicated solicitor who will manage your case and coordinate with our wider team to ensure seamless communication and a cohesive approach.

Our Dispute Resolution Services Include:

  • Contractual Disputes
  • Shareholder and Director Disputes
  • Partnership Disputes
  • Professional Negligence Claims
  • Debt Recovery and Enforcement
  • Insolvency and Bankruptcy
  • Employment and Regulatory Disputes

Why Choose Coole Bevis for Your Commercial Dispute Resolution Needs?

“On a professional level your services have been exemplary, particularly during the prolonged mediation session! You have really gone above and beyond, and we can’t thank you enough. I honestly don’t think we would have had the courage nor resolve to get to where we did without your support and guidance in this matter.”

Recommended Lawyers

Our Commercial Dispute Resolution team are recommended in The Legal 500, reflecting the expertise and commitment we bring to your legal matters.

Debt Recovery Pricing 

The costs outlined below apply to business to business debts which are undisputed.

If the debt is disputed at any point, we will discuss any further work which may be required and provide you with further costs information, as necessary.

Our charges are based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. Our hourly rates range between £150 plus VAT @ 20% to £290 plus VAT @ 20% depending on the seniority of the fee earner who deals with your matter:

Partner£290 plus VAT @ 20% per hour
Associate£240 plus VAT @ 20% per hour
Trainee Solicitor£150 plus VAT @ 20% per hour

In the first instance, it is necessary to send a letter before action to the debtor setting out the debt, how it has arisen and giving the debtor an opportunity to pay within a reasonable or requisite period of time.

Letter before action:

Debt ValueOur fee
Under £5,000£150 - £300 plus VAT @ 20%
£5,001 - £10,000£350 - £500 plus VAT @ 20%
£10,001 - £25,000£500 - £750 plus VAT @ 20%
Over £25,0005% of the value of the debt plus VAT @ 20%

What is included in this fee:

  • Taking your instructions
  • Reviewing relevant documents
  • Sending a letter of claim/ letter before action
  • Reviewing any response received

What is not included in this fee:

  • Tracing the debtor
  • Undertaking any relevant searches
  • Advising you about your claim

If the letter before action does not result in settlement of the debt, we will usually recommend that you issue Court proceedings to try to recover the sum owed together with interest and compensation, where appropriate.

Issuing Court proceedings:

We will issue Court proceedings using the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service. MCOL can only be used where the amount claimed is less than £100,000. The costs of issuing Court proceedings are in addition to our fees for the letter before action:

Debt ValueOur feeCourt fee (not subject to VAT)Total (including VAT @ 20%)
Under £5,000£350 - £500 plus VAT @ 20%£35 - £205£420 - £600 plus Court fee of £35-£205
£5,000 - £10,000£350 - £500 plus VAT @ 20%£455£420 - £600 plus Court fee of £455
£10,001 - £25,000£500 - £750 plus VAT @ 20%5% of value of claim£600 - £900 plus Court fee of 5% of the value of claim
Over £25,000£1,000 - £2,500 plus VAT5% of value of claim£1,200 - £3,000 plus Court fee of 5% of the value of claim

Note:

  • The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from the debtor
  • VAT is not charged on Court fees
  • Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with higher cost
  • Legal costs may not be recoverable or fully recoverable

What is included in this fee:

  • Preparing and issuing claim via MCOL
  • Applying for Judgment in default

What is not included in this fee:

  • Defended claims
  • Enforcement action
  • Advising you about your claim or enforcement action

Matters usually take between 3 weeks and 4 months from the date we receive instructions from you to receipt of payment from the debtor, depending on the type of debtor, and whether or not it is necessary to issue Court proceedings. This is on the basis that the debtor pays promptly on receipt of Judgment in default. If the claim is defended or enforcement action is necessary, the matter will take longer to resolve.

Contact us

If you are facing a business dispute, contact our expert team at Coole Bevis today. We are here to guide you through the resolution process and protect your business interests every step of the way.