If you are on a procurement portal, you are in the business of closing deals and making money. However, have you considered how to deal with disputes that may arise during the course of doing business?

From when you sign a contract, to final payment and delivery, there is always a chance of miscommunication, misunderstanding and disputes between buyers, sellers and sub contractors.

As you saw in your terms and conditions, members of SCNet have agreed to use ADR before litigation.

Litigation and lengthy court battles can be a serious handbrake to successful business and should be avoided.

A recent study estimated that conflicts cost British business an estimated £33bn per year, of which just £6bn was spent on legal fees. CEDR further estimated that a dispute worth just £1m typically burnt up 3 years of a line manager’s productive time.

Settling disputes quickly and cost effectively can be achieved by using Alternate Dispute Resolution – including conciliation, mediation and arbitration.

The African Commercial Dispute Settlement Centre is housed within the Cape Chamber of Commerce. The centre can offer companies, both large and small, the solution to potential and existing disputes, in a guaranteed neutral environment and through internationally accredited best practice.

For more information, or to refer a dispute online, please visit the Cape Chamber and find the dispute settlement page on the top menu bar of the website.