Business in Focus – all you need to know about ADR

Posted 01/05/19

From disagreements between landlords and tenants to missing or damaged items, resolving disputes between business and customers can be a costly and time-consuming process, with court cases adding undue stress to an already unpleasant situation. It’s important for all parties to know there is a far more effective method, alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Business Companion has launched a free new Business in Focus guide on the use of ADR. The guide delves into ADR legislation, describes the processes and highlights the benefits for businesses and consumers in entering into ADR to resolve issues.

ADR is often far quicker and more cost-effective for businesses than having a case go to court. Both parties are put in contact with a neutral third party to help come to a quick, mutual agreement, usually within 90 days according to the European Commission.

The more private nature of the proceedings means businesses can also usually avoid any adverse publicity, and many courts now require businesses to have attempted to resolve disputes via ADR first. The Government estimate that ADR costs approximately one-fifth of the costs of pursuing a court case, with 82 per cent of businesses reporting they would use ADR again.

ADR providers are approved and audited by Competent Authorities, with the process being mandatory for some regulated sectors. Businesses that are members of trade associations, or ‘trusted trader’ schemes, in unregulated sectors are also required to enter into ADR. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a Competent Authority that approves ADR bodies in unregulated sectors.

Service Director Delivery Excellence at CTSI, Andy Allen, said: “It’s an unfortunate fact that disputes will occur between traders and consumers, but ADR gives both parties greater access to mechanisms that make the whole process easier and fairer for all involved.”

Business Companion is a free to use, Government-backed service provided by CTSI. It features in-depth guidance for businesses on trading standards and consumer protection legislation. The ADR guidance, along with guides for care homes and online marketplaces, can be found here.

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Editors notes

For press queries, email CTSI Press Office: [email protected], or call 01268 582240. 

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the trading standards profession since 1881, both nationally and internationally. It aims to raise the profile of the profession while working towards a safer, fairer, and better-informed society for consumers and businesses. CTSI’s members deliver frontline trading standards services in local authorities. www.tradingstandards.uk.

Business in Focus is a series of focussed guides produced by CTSI and Business Companion, in collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Guidance for care homes and online marketplaces can also be found on www.businesscompanion.info.

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