Thames Valley Branch’s ‘Business Arbitration Scheme’ event

On 1 May 2019, CIArb Thames Valley Branch organised the launching event of the Businesses Arbitration Scheme. The Speakers were:

• Professor Graham Chase: Chartered Arbitrator, Ex-President of the RICS and Chairman Chase & Partners LLP
• Paul Rose: Chartered Arbitrator, and a member of ArbDB Chambers
• Tom Cadman: Director of Governance and Legal Services at the CIArb

This evening meeting was very well attended by more than sixty delegates. The Chairman Mohammed Haque welcomed the audience and the speakers to the event. Mr James Pidding Chartered Arbitrator gave a short introduction to the Scheme and introduced the speakers to the audience in turn before they have addressed the gathering. The speakers explained various aspects of the BAS and focused on

• The difference between arbitration and litigation.
• Details of how the BAS operates.
• How CIArb can assist in resolving disputes under the Scheme.

In particular it was noted that business of all sizes may be wary of litigation in the courts when attempts to settle disputes with customers or suppliers fail. Going ‘to law’ is seen as slow and expensive and often not worth the bother. A new fast-track scheme with modest fixed costs is available from CIArb to provide businesses with an attractive alternative to litigation.

Following the speakers’ session there was a question time. Ms Olena Gulyanytska, the Head of Dispute Appointment Service conducted the question time session. Normally audience have 2/3 questions, but this was so popular that the session continued up to one and a half hour. Had it not been too late at the night (almost 9:30 in the evening) the attendees could continue further.

The speakers emphasised that the CIArb’s Business Arbitration Scheme ('BAS') can offer economical and fast track resolution of any dispute between £5,000 and £100,000. Its key features include a simple procedure, no necessity to attend court, early decisions which are final and binding, unbiased assessment by experienced and qualified professionals and modest fixed fee costs.

To raise awareness of the scheme, the Thames Valley Branch of CIArb will continue to hold follow up sessions. Thames Valley Branch committee thanks Mr Ishfaq Ahmad MCIArb (Secretary Thames Valley Branch Committee) for his active support in organising the event.

Queries can be directed to Mohammed Haque, Chairman of Thames Valley Branch CIArb on +(44)07779682494 or mhaque@thomassands.co.uk