Contracts, disputes

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

Although a business contract does not have to be in writing, it makes sense to have a clear, written agreement wherever possible.

Effective dispute resolution before litigation helps minimise the costs and damage to relationships that can arise from commercial disputes.

Any kind of lawsuit can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming. Understanding the best way to deal with a dispute can help reduce problems.

An effective approach to chasing up late payments helps boost cashflow and reduce the risk of overdue payments turning into bad debts.

Intellectual property disputes can arise when other businesses infringe your IP, or take action against you for infringing their rights.

Agents and distributors can be a great way to market your products, however there are risks and it's important to have a proper agreement in place.

Accidents, mistakes and misunderstandings can happen in any business - and you can end up facing a legal claim. How to handle things if you're sued.

Almost every business will experience late payment at some point. This practical checklist will help you recover the money you are owed.

Involved in a commercial dispute? Unsure how to resolve it or what happens next if you someone threatens to sue you? Read our practical FAQs.

Credit control helps you optimise your cash flow and avoid late payment or non-payment. Read our guide to setting up a credit control system.

Most businesses experience some problems getting paid on time - but unpaid debts can cause serious cash flow issues. We explain your options.

Would you know what approach to use if a customer had not paid you what they owed you? These FAQs answer the key debt recovery questions.

Domain names are an important part of your brand and intellectual property. Proper protection can help you avoid a domain name dispute.

The cost of litigation can put you under serious financial pressure, even if you win. Read our guide to insuring against the cost of legal action.

Avoid cash flow problems and encourage your customers to pay on time by charging interest on late payments. Our guide to your rights.

Commercial disputes can become costly in terms of time and expense. This checklist will help you handle disputes with the aim of resolving them.

If you can't sort out a business dispute peacefully, you may have to resort to legal action. Our guide to the key steps and considerations.

Ten practical ways your small business may be able to improve its chances of a favourable outcome when trying to settle commercial disputes

If a customer pays you late, you have the right to charge them statutory interest on that late payment. Find out how with this helpful overview.

If you have a 'retention of title' clause in your terms of trade, you can get your goods back if a customer doesn't pay. This article tells you how.

Selling to overseas customers can be good for growth, but the risk of non-payment is higher. Find out what steps you can take to ensure you get paid.

Financial transactions can be full of jargon and technical language. Make sure you understand any credit agreement with this glossary.

Mediation is one way to resolve disputes. Find out about the process mediation commonly follows in our video: ‘What is the procedure in mediation?’

Inadequate trading terms can you don't get paid. Minimise bad debts by setting out clear terms of trade and make customers are aware of them.

All businesses have the right to claim interest on late payments. This briefing explains your rights and the process for claiming interest.

You can take court action against someone if they owe you money. This tool will help you fill in the correct forms and issue a claim online.

If you are in dispute with a customer or supplier, and you want to avoid going to court, find out whether alternative dispute resolution can help you.