A new East Yorkshire-based mediation company, Westwood Mediation, has launched to help individuals and businesses resolve legal disputes without the stress and expense of going to court.
Operating from Beverley, the company provides a wide range of professional mediation services across the UK, focusing on amicable and efficient resolutions through open communication.
It is currently the only dedicated mediation form of its kind in the Hull and Humber region.
Westwood Mediation was founded by a team of experienced legal professionals, including barrister Stuart Jamieson, solicitor advocate Seamus Kelly, and costs draftsmen Lee Carter and Jon-Paul Burnett, co-founders of Carter Burnett Costs Consultants. Former journalist and marketing expert Mark Fewings also joins the board as head of communications.
The firm specialises in civil and commercial mediation, addressing disputes in areas such as property and land, family businesses, workplace conflicts, contentious probate, personal injury, shipping, insurance, construction, and costs disputes. It aims to eliminate the need for court hearings by fostering collaborative problem-solving in a neutral and confidential environment.
Leeds-based barrister Stuart Jamieson, who specialises in clinical negligence and personal injury cases, explained the benefits of mediation: “Our role is to facilitate open discussions, not impose solutions. This collaborative approach can save time and resources while leading to more satisfactory outcomes. Mediation empowers parties to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.”
The company’s launch coincides with growing recognition of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the legal landscape. A recent ruling by King’s Bench Master Victoria McCloud requires former Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke and The Times to engage in ADR before escalating a costs dispute to court. The decision, hailed as a landmark by the Association of Costs Lawyers, highlights ADR’s potential to reduce courtroom congestion and encourage early settlements.
Chief operating officer Lee Carter commented: “The McCloud ruling underscores the importance of ADR in costs disputes, but mediation can benefit many other types of cases as well. By promoting early settlements, mediation not only alleviates pressure on the courts but also delivers faster, more cost-effective outcomes for all parties.”
Westwood Mediation is building a panel of Civil Mediation Council-registered and London School of Mediation-accredited professionals, ensuring clients receive ethical and effective conflict resolution services.
Pictured (L-R): Jon-Paul Burnett, Lee Carter, Seamus Kelly, Stuart Jamieson
Images provided by Westwood Mediation
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.