Contract Disputes Manchester: Expert Legal Advice

What are contract disputes, Manchester?

When a commercial dispute arises, it can feel like a major setback for your business. Whether it’s a disagreement over contract terms or a breach of agreement, these conflicts can disrupt operations and harm relationships. At AFG Law, we specialise in providing clear, focused guidance to help businesses navigate these challenges and protect what matters most: your business, its assets, and its reputation.

A commercial contract dispute typically occurs when the terms of a legally binding agreement are in question, whether over delivery, payment, performance, or other key aspects of the contract. These disputes can involve issues such as breach of contract, the validity of terms, or even the interpretation of clauses regarding liabilities and penalties. They’re common in all areas of business, from supply agreements to service contracts and beyond.

We would always recommend to act quickly if you find yourself facing a contract dispute. Early legal assistance can help prevent things from escalating as well as minimise any long-term damage to your business. At AFG Law, our team has successfully represented businesses across various industries, from start-ups to large corporations. We understand the intricacies of each case and are committed to finding the most effective path forward.

We approach each case with a focus on understanding the nuances of your business and its objectives. By developing tailored solutions, we ensure our strategies are not only legally sound but also aligned with your commercial interests. Our goal is to resolve your dispute efficiently, with minimal disruption, and in a way that allows your business to thrive moving forward.

To find out more about our services surrounding contract disputes in Manchester or to speak to a member of our dispute resolution team, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Common types of contract disputes

Our contract dispute solicitors at AFG Law have expertise in all areas of contract law and have assisted clients with a wide range of commercial contract disputes in Manchester arising from all types of commercial activity.

Many disputes surround the sale and supply of goods and services, in which parties disagree on the quality, delivery or payment of goods and services. We also handle disputes arising from agency, distribution, and franchise agreements, particularly those concerning the rights, obligations, and termination of these business relationships.

Our team is well-versed in dealing with warranty and indemnity claims, which involve breaches of contractual warranties or indemnities in various transactions. Additionally, we assist clients in disputes related to the retention of title, where conflicts arise over the ownership of goods until payment is made.

What causes contract disputes?

Having clear, well-drafted contracts is crucial to preventing disputes from arising in the first place. However, despite taking all the necessary precautions, commercial contract disputes can still occur.

• Breach of Contract: One of the most common causes of commercial contract disputes, where breaches have occurred due to a party failing to fulfil their contractual obligations, whether it’s failure to deliver goods, services, or payments. This includes situations where one party doesn’t meet the agreed-upon performance standards or deadlines. In such cases, the non-breaching party may seek claims for damages to recover financial losses suffered as a result of the breach.
• Non-Performance or Late Performance: This occurs when one party either fails to perform their duties altogether or fails to do so within the agreed timeframe. Delays in the delivery of products, services, or results can lead to conflicts over penalties or the breach itself.
• Disputes Over Payment Terms: Disagreements often arise over late payments, partial payments, or disputes over the amount owed. This can happen if one party believes they are owed more or less than what is stipulated in the contract or if payment terms are not adhered to.
• Contract Interpretation and Ambiguity: If the terms and conditions of the contract are unclear or ambiguous, disputes can arise over the meaning of specific clauses or the parties’ intentions. These issues often require legal interpretation to resolve.
• Termination Disputes: A party may want to terminate a contract early due to perceived breaches, changed circumstances, or dissatisfaction with performance. Disagreements can arise over whether the termination is justified or whether proper procedures for termination were followed.
• Failure to Meet Quality Standards: Commercial contracts often specify the quality and specifications of goods or services. A dispute can arise if one party believes the delivered goods or services don’t meet the agreed-upon standards, resulting in potential claims for breach of contract or non-conformance.
• Misrepresentation or Fraud: If one party is misled by false statements or inaccurate information during contract negotiations, this can lead to disputes. Misrepresentation may involve the exaggeration of capabilities or the provision of false data, affecting the terms of the contract.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes: When a contract involves the licensing, transfer, or use of intellectual property, disputes can arise over ownership rights, usage permissions, or infringement of IP clauses.
• Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Disputes: If a party discloses confidential information in violation of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), it can lead to legal action. This is particularly relevant in industries dealing with proprietary information, trade secrets, or sensitive business strategies.

How are contract disputes resolved?

Our solicitors can use their expertise and knowledge to help resolve contract disputes in Manchester. There are many avenues for resolving such disputes, from Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to more formal litigation.

We would always advise as the first step to hold informal discussions with all parties to attempt to settle the dispute amicably. This minimises disruption to business operations and relationships. Negotiation is all about open communication and working together to find a solution that everyone can live with. It’s a flexible process where the parties involved directly discuss the issues and try to reach a mutually agreeable outcome. Additionally, because parties are directly involved in the negotiation talks, they can have more control and say over the outcome.

If negotiation fails, then mediation is another form of ADR that is available to try in contract disputes in Manchester. In mediation, a neutral mediator oversees the discussions between the disputing parties and helps to facilitate a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation does not make any legally binding decision regardless of the outcome, but it is one of the most cost-effective and successful routes to solving commercial contract disputes.

The last avenue of ADR would be arbitration proceedings. Arbitration is the most formal route under ADR, in which an impartial arbitrator listens to both parties and imposes a legally binding decision.

If all avenues of ADR have been tried and parties cannot find a way forward from their contract disputes, then the matter may progress to formal commercial litigation proceedings. Taking the matter to court will impose higher costs and take much longer to settle. A judge will ultimately hear the arguments and make a legal ruling on the dispute.

How can AFG Law assist with contract disputes in Manchester?

If you are facing a contract dispute in Manchester, our dispute resolution team are here to offer comprehensive support to protect your business interests. As a firm with several offices based in Greater Manchester, our contract dispute solicitors are ideally placed to help clients resolve their disputes efficiently.

We feel strongly about exploring cost-effective resolution strategies for contractual disputes to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation. If a dispute cannot be resolved through alternative methods, our commercial litigators provide legal representation in arbitration or court proceedings, ensuring that our client’s interests are fully protected.

Our solicitors can also advise on the most appropriate remedies available in contract disputes. This could include pursuing monetary compensation for losses suffered, seeking an injunction to prevent a party from acting in breach of the agreement or applying for specific performance to compel a party to fulfil their contractual obligations.

If you would like more information on contract disputes in Manchester or wish to speak to a member of our dispute team, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We can be contacted via email at disputeresolution@afglaw.co.uk or you can call us on 01204 920102.

For more information on our contract dispute service, please go to our main commercial contract dispute page here.