What types of commercial contracts should a business have?

Most businesses benefit from clear terms and conditions, supplier agreements, and contracts with partners or shareholders. The appropriate structure depends on how the business operates and the relationships it relies on.

Do I need a solicitor to draft a commercial contract?

While templates can be useful starting points, they often do not reflect the specific risks or commercial realities of your business. Legal input helps ensure the agreement is clear, enforceable and properly aligned with your operations.

Can you review a contract before I sign it?

Yes. A contract review can identify unclear terms, unexpected obligations or areas of risk before you commit. This is often a practical step where agreements are being negotiated quickly.

What happens if a commercial contract is unclear?

Unclear contracts can lead to disputes about interpretation, particularly where expectations differ. In some cases, this can result in costly legal proceedings or outcomes that neither party intended.

How often should contracts be updated?

Contracts should be reviewed when business operations change, when relationships evolve, or periodically as part of general risk management. Outdated agreements can create unintended exposure.

Legal Services › Business and Commercial Law › Commercial contracts and Agreements

COMMERCIAL DISPUTES & RISK MANAGEMENT

Supporting business owners and directors to manage disputes, reduce risk and take a measured approach to resolution.

When a business relationship comes under strain, the legal issues are rarely just technical. They affect operations, finances, reputation and, often, long-standing professional relationships.

This page focuses on the legal framework around disputes and the practical steps that can be taken to manage risk early, contain problems where possible, and act decisively where necessary.

Disputes in business are not always avoidable. What matters is how they are anticipated, managed and, where required, resolved.

At Eddison Cogan Lawyers, we advise business owners, directors and shareholders on the legal aspects of commercial disputes, from early-stage risk identification through to formal proceedings. Our focus is on protecting your position with clarity, structure and evidence, while helping you make measured decisions about how far a matter should be taken.

Where disputes tend to arise

Commercial disputes often develop gradually rather than appearing as a single event. Early recognition of risk can significantly affect the outcome.

Common areas include:

Disagreements between shareholders or directors
Breach of contract or unclear contractual terms
Supplier or customer disputes affecting delivery or payment
Breakdown of joint ventures or business partnerships
Misuse of confidential information or business assets
Disputes arising from business sales or acquisitions

In many cases, the legal position depends heavily on what has been documented, agreed and evidenced over time.

Managing risk before it escalates

Not every issue requires immediate escalation. In fact, early legal input is often most valuable before positions become entrenched.

We assist with:

Reviewing contracts, communications and internal records
Identifying legal strengths, weaknesses and areas of exposure
Advising on appropriate next steps, including timing and tone
Structuring communications to protect your position
Ensuring that evidence is preserved and organised

This stage is often where the direction of a dispute is quietly determined.

Taking a structured approach to disputes

Where a dispute cannot be resolved informally, a more structured legal approach may be required.

This can include:

Formal correspondence setting out your position
Responding to claims or allegations made against you
Preparing for negotiation or mediated discussions
Advising on settlement options and risk trade-offs
Progressing matters towards formal legal proceedings where necessary

Our role is to ensure that each step is deliberate, proportionate and aligned with your broader commercial objectives.

Negotiation, mediation and legal strategy

Many disputes are resolved without court proceedings, but successful outcomes rarely happen by accident. They depend on preparation and a clear understanding of legal leverage.

We work alongside negotiation and mediation processes by:

Clarifying your legal position before discussions begin
Preparing documentation to support your case
Advising on realistic settlement parameters
Ensuring that any agreement reached is properly documented and enforceable

Where appropriate, we can also direct you towards our mediation services for a more structured resolution process, while continuing to advise on the legal framework surrounding those discussions.

When formal action becomes necessary

In some situations, formal legal action is the appropriate course.

This may arise where:

The financial or commercial stakes are significant
Attempts at resolution have failed
There is a need to protect assets or enforce rights urgently
The other party is acting unreasonably or in breach of clear obligations

We prepare matters thoroughly and act with focus, ensuring that your position is clearly presented and supported by evidence.

How we approach commercial disputes

Commercial disputes require a balance of judgement and resolve.

Our approach is grounded in:

Clear analysis of legal and commercial risk
Careful preparation and documentation
A preference for proportionate and effective solutions
Readiness to act firmly where required

This reflects our broader approach: combining the discipline and strategic thinking associated with city practice with the clarity and steadiness clients value closer to home.

Discussing your situation

If you are dealing with a developing dispute, or concerned about potential risks within your business relationships, an initial conversation can help clarify your position and the options available.

Eddison Cogan Lawyers advises on the legal framework surrounding commercial disputes, helping clients take a structured and considered approach from the outset.

Clear advice. Controlled outcomes.

When a dispute arises, early clarity can make a significant difference. We help you understand your legal position, identify risks and decide how best to proceed.

Depending on the situation, this may involve early-stage advice, structured negotiation, or preparation for formal legal action.

Our focus is on ensuring that each step is considered, proportionate and aligned with your wider business objectives.

An initial conversation allows us to understand your position, assess potential risks and outline the legal framework for the next stage, including any underlying business arrangements that may need to be addressed.

Make an Initial Enquiry

Commercial disputes often arise from
underlying business arrangements.

You may also find it helpful to explore:

› Shareholders, Directors and Business relationships
› Employees and employment issues
› Setting up and structuring a business
› Buying or selling a business

Wider support around business arrangements

› Negotiation and advocacy
› Mediation and dispute resolution
› Family enterprise and succession planning

Frequently asked questions

What is a shareholder agreement and why is it important?

A shareholder agreement sets out how a business is owned, managed and controlled. It provides clarity around decision-making, responsibilities and future changes, helping to reduce uncertainty as the business evolves.

What are directors’ duties in practice?

Directors have legal responsibilities in how they manage the company and make decisions. These duties include acting in the best interests of the company and exercising reasonable care and judgment, which can carry personal risk if not properly understood.

Do informal business arrangements need to be documented?

In many cases, yes. Documenting arrangements helps avoid misunderstandings, provides clarity between parties and creates a reliable reference point if circumstances or expectations change over time.

When should shareholder or governance arrangements be reviewed?

It is often sensible to review arrangements when a business grows, changes direction, introduces new stakeholders or where roles and responsibilities evolve. Regular review helps ensure the structure remains appropriate and effective.