Independent mediators for construction and engineering disputes involving projects, payment, delay, performance, technical issues or commercial relationships that have become difficult to resolve.
Specialist mediation for technically and commercially complex projects
Construction and engineering disputes can develop quickly because contractual, technical, programme and payment issues often overlap. A disagreement about one variation or delay can affect cashflow, project relationships, completion strategy and wider commercial exposure.
The Echelon Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel brings together mediators suited to disputes where understanding the project environment and the commercial realities surrounding delivery can be important to effective negotiation.
The mediator does not determine technical liability or replace expert, legal or contractual advice. Their role is to manage a structured negotiation in which the parties can examine the dispute, test settlement options and consider practical terms that may not be available through a formal determination.
Construction and engineering disputes the panel can support
Typical matters may involve several contractual, technical and commercial issues at the same time.
Payment & Final Accounts
Disputed valuations, deductions, payment applications, final accounts, retention, set-off and disagreements over sums said to be due.
Delay & Disruption
Disputes involving programme impact, extension of time, disruption, sequencing, access, responsibility and the commercial consequences of delay.
Variations & Scope
Disagreement about changes, instructions, scope, valuation, additional work, specification or whether work falls within the original contractual obligations.
Defects & Performance
Issues concerning alleged defects, quality, compliance, remedial work, performance standards and responsibility for corrective measures.
Professional & Design Issues
Disputes involving consultants, designers, engineers or other professionals concerning scope, performance, coordination, fees or project consequences.
Project Relationship Breakdown
Multi-party or continuing-project disputes where settlement may need to address future cooperation, completion arrangements and commercial continuity.
The dispute may be only one part of the project problem
Formal contractual rights can be central to construction and engineering disputes, but live projects create additional pressures that may influence what a workable settlement looks like.
Parties may need to consider completion, cashflow, access, sequencing, remedial work, future cooperation, supply chains, programme recovery, confidentiality and the cost of allowing a dispute to continue alongside the project.
Mediation allows those practical issues to be discussed with the legal and technical positions, while leaving expert analysis, legal advice and final decisions with the parties and their advisers.
A project-focused mediation can help parties:
- identify the contractual, technical and commercial issues that are driving the dispute;
- distinguish matters requiring expert input from matters capable of commercial negotiation;
- test the cost and programme consequences of continuing the dispute;
- consider staged payments, remedial work or revised project arrangements;
- address continuing project relationships where appropriate;
- explore multi-party settlement structures; and
- retain control over whether and on what terms settlement is reached.
Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel
Mediator appointments are considered according to the nature, complexity and circumstances of the dispute. Individual mediator profiles set out professional registrations, accreditations, experience and areas of particular practice.
Approved mediator profiles for this section will appear here.
Choosing an appropriate mediator
Mediator selection should reflect the contractual, technical and commercial context of the project as well as the number and nature of the parties involved.
Independence
Mediator appointments are subject to appropriate independence and conflict checks before the mediation proceeds.
Relevant Experience
Relevant construction, engineering, project or technical-commercial experience can be important where the dispute requires sector context to support effective negotiation.
Process Fit
The mediator and format should be proportionate to the dispute, the parties involved and the practical requirements of the mediation.
How the process begins
Initial enquiry
Tell Echelon briefly about the nature of the dispute, the parties involved and the anticipated mediation format.
Conflict & suitability checks
Relevant information is considered before an appointment is confirmed, including independence, availability and suitability.
Mediator appointment
Once the parties agree to proceed, the mediator, proposed timetable, format and fees can be confirmed.
Preparation & mediation
The parties receive the necessary process information and prepare for the mediation in accordance with the agreed arrangements.
Construction & Engineering Dispute Guides
Explore practical guidance from the Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel on project disputes, payment, delay, defects, contractual breakdown, mediation and settlement strategy.
9 September 2026
Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel
Construction Contract Dispute Mediation Before Court: Settle Pre-Action
A commercial guide for UK contractors, developers, and legal teams on resolving construction disputes via mediation under the Pre-Action Protocol before issuing TCC court proceedings.
9 September 2026
Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel
Subcontractor Payment Disputes: Resolving Valuation Conflicts and Contra-Charges
A commercial and practical guide to resolving subcontractor payment disputes, valuation stand-offs, and contra-charges through structured commercial mediation.
Considering mediation for a construction or engineering dispute?
Construction and engineering disputes sit within Echelon Dispute Resolution's Commercial Mediation service where the matter is a suitable business-to-business or commercial dispute.
Parties and their advisers can contact Echelon to discuss mediator suitability, the number of parties, proposed format, expert involvement and the practical arrangements for mediation.
Useful next steps
Learn more about the relevant mediation service, review current fees or contact Echelon about a potential appointment.
Construction & Engineering Disputes Panel FAQs
When can construction mediation take place?
Mediation can be considered during a live project, after completion, before proceedings or while formal proceedings are underway. Timing should be considered against the contractual, evidential and commercial circumstances of the dispute.
Does the mediator decide technical issues?
No. The mediator does not adjudicate technical liability or determine expert evidence. Technical and legal advisers can remain involved where appropriate while the mediator facilitates negotiation.
Can experts and solicitors attend?
Yes. Construction mediations commonly involve solicitors, experts, commercial decision-makers and other advisers. Attendance should be proportionate to the dispute and agreed as part of the preparation.
Can multi-party construction disputes be mediated?
Yes, where suitable. Multi-party mediation requires careful preparation, conflict checking, authority to negotiate and a process designed around the relationships between the participants.
Can mediation be used alongside adjudication or litigation?
Potentially, yes. Mediation is a consensual settlement process and can be considered alongside other dispute-resolution routes. Parties should obtain appropriate legal advice about timing, contractual rights and procedural consequences.
Discuss appointing a mediator
If a construction or engineering dispute is affecting payment, progress or project relationships, contact Echelon Dispute Resolution to discuss mediator suitability and mediation arrangements.