Yes. When an arbitrator gives an award, it has to be followed. In the UK, it can be treated like a Court order, so it can be enforced if one side doesn’t comply. Where the dispute involves other countries, there are international agreements that usually allow the award to be recognised overseas.
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Contracts
- Construction & Engineering
- Shareholder & Partnership Disputes
- Professional Negligence
- International & Cross-border Disputes
- Sports Disputes & Regulation
- Regulatory
- Property Disputes
- Employment & Workplace Issues
- Children Arrangements
- Financial Remedy on Divorce/Separation
- Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (ToLATA)
Arbitration is one of the main forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It provides a private, flexible, and efficient way to resolve disputes outside the Courts while still leading to a final, binding decision.
About Arbitration
Arbitration is a private way of deciding disputes. Instead of going to Court, both sides put their case to a jointly appointed independent arbitrator. The process is flexible; the parties can agree who hears the case, how it will be conducted (including remotely), the issues to be decided and what timetable is followed.
Once an arbitrator is appointed, each side usually sets out its position in writing and exchanges key documents. The arbitrator may hold meetings or hearings, either in person or online, before making a final decision known as an award. The procedure can be tailored to suit the size, complexity, and nature of the dispute.
Awards are binding, just like a Court order. Many commercial and international contracts already include arbitration clauses requiring disputes to be referred to arbitration rather than the Courts.
Arbitration is particularly suitable where:
- Confidentiality is essential, such as in business or partnership disputes.
- A technical understanding of the issues is required.
- The parties want control over who decides the case and how quickly it is resolved.
At Trinity ADR, our barristers and accredited arbitrators combine deep legal knowledge with sector-specific understanding across commercial, construction, family and professional disputes. Many also sit as judges or have mediation experience, ensuring that the process is fair, efficient, and well-managed from start to finish.
Arbitration — FAQs
There’s no single answer. Some disputes can be resolved in months. Bigger or more technical claims take longer, but still usually significantly less time than taking a dispute to Court, most of which have considerable backlogs both in terms of dealing with paperwork and also the listing of Court hearings and trials.
Who decides on the arbitrator?
The parties do. If they cannot agree, an appointing body can choose. Our team can go through who is the most suitable for the dispute to be arbitrated.
Why might parties choose arbitration over Court?
Privacy, speed and the ability to jointly choose who hears the case. For cross-border disputes, enforceability abroad is another key reason.
Contact our team of specialist ADR clerks. They can talk through the options and set the process in motion.
Can I appeal an Arbitration award?
Appeals are very limited. They can only be made on specific legal grounds, meaning the arbitrator’s decision is usually final.
Can the Arbitration be conducted remotely?
Yes. Trinity ADR offers in-person, online, and hybrid hearings using secure video conferencing technology, allowing flexibility and efficiency wherever the parties are based.
What are the likely costs involved?
Costs depend on the complexity of the case, the extent of the issues to be determined, the extent of any expert or lay witness evidence, the number of meetings/hearings ahead of the main Arbitration, and the chosen arbitrator. Our clerks can provide clear guidance on likely fees and options to manage costs effectively.