Disputes are a fact of business life, and it’s all too easy to allow them to consume too much time and too much valuable resource.
Our approach is to understand the issues quickly and seek an early resolution if possible. We establish the legal position accompanied by a healthy dose of commercial perspective.
We advise on the common business dispute areas, including contracts and business terms and conditions, in particular identifying breaches of contracts and where disputes have arisen over performance or payment. We also deal with legal issues surrounding insolvency, equitable relief such as declarations and injunctions, allegations of professional negligence, employment and franchise disputes, and can often help to avoid problems in the first place by ensuring that any commercial documents are well drafted.
We assist with resolving issues with suppliers – notably business agencies or recruitment firms – and with customers, particularly over outstanding payments.
Though not always the cause of a dispute, we can also help protect your confidential information and intellectual property.
We firmly believe that franchising should always be tried and tested, supportive, ethical and structured to succeed for all parties, even if there may be bumps in the road to success.
Although it’s no easier than running any other business, franchising can be a success for all if the expectations and the terms are realistic as well as fair.
In more than ten years we’ve seen plenty of good and not-so-good in the world of franchising and we use that experience to inform our advice to either party in a franchising contract – wherever they are in the country.
For franchisees, we offer the complete range of services including dispute resolution and assistance in reviewing your franchise options at all stages of a contract.
In helping to resolve disputes, we provide vital advice to prevent issues deteriorating to the point where you have fewer options than you might like.
Right from the outset we conside how the agreement holds together commercially, rather than just telling you what the terms of a contract mean.
Understanding what your objectives are will help us in advising on negotiations and agreement reviews. And we’re with you all the way throughout the life of your business including helping you sell or leave your franchise.
Our experience of the franchise business sector means we can advise you on your contract options including restrictive covenants or the timing and risk involved in leaving a network.
We have a lot of experience helping franchisees negotiate their way out of a failing agreement. We also deal with misrepresentation and breach of contract cases or where franchisors are trying to move the goal posts.
It’s far more effective for your business to avoid problems before they arise. As experts in dispute resolution, we are able to analyse and prepare commercial agreements that are designed to provide clarity in the event of any future disputes.
Through working with you to really understand your business needs, our expert solicitors are able to provide the effective legal tools needed to achieve your commercial goals
For straightforward advice on business dispute resolution contact Jonathan Hodge on 01245 673078 or jhodge@aquabridgelaw.co.uk
