BEMN — An initiative of Mediation Chambers
Mediation for Construction and Project Disputes
BEMN provides structured, confidential mediation for disputes arising across construction, development and the wider built environment — including contractor-client disputes, payment and delay issues, defects claims, variation disputes and project relationship breakdowns.
About BEMN
A Specialist Mediation Forum for the Built Environment
The Built Environment Mediation Network (BEMN) is a specialist initiative of Mediation Chambers focused on mediation in construction, projects and the wider built environment. It exists to provide a more sector-specific route into mediation for disputes where commercial pressure, technical issues, delay exposure and strained working relationships often overlap.
Built-environment disputes are rarely only about a single legal point. They often involve payment pressure, programme slippage, defects allegations, variation disagreements, scope disputes, supply-chain tensions, professional relationships and the practical question of how the parties move forward without further loss of time and cost.
BEMN applies the same independent, confidential and professionally structured mediation framework used across Mediation Chambers, while bringing more specific understanding to the commercial and operational realities of the built environment.
Why Mediation Often Fits Construction and Project Disputes
- Delay and legal cost can compound quickly once positions harden
- Projects often depend on relationships that need to continue, or at least end cleanly
- Confidentiality matters where reputation, live work and commercial relationships are at stake
- Mediation can address technical, commercial and relational issues together
An initiative of Mediation Chambers
BEMN sits within Mediation Chambers and applies the same independent, confidential mediation framework, with more specific sector framing for construction and built-environment disputes.
Dispute Types
The Kinds of Disputes BEMN Handles
These are the kinds of disputes for which BEMN is often relevant. The full disputes page sets out the categories in more detail, including payment, delay, defects, scope, contractor and supply-chain matters.
Contractor & Client Disputes
Where the professional relationship has broken down over scope, delivery, payment, programme, quality or the administration of the contract.
Payment & Delay Conflicts
Disputes over interim applications, valuations, withholding, loss and expense, delay claims, project overrun or cashflow pressure.
Defects & Scope Disagreements
Conflicts over specification, workmanship, practical completion, rectification liability, scope change or who bears the cost of putting work right.
Subcontractor Relationship Breakdowns
Disputes between main contractors, subcontractors and suppliers involving payment, programme, scope, coordination or breakdown in trust.
Property & Boundary Disputes
Disputes involving neighbouring development, boundaries, access, construction impact or related built-environment conflict.
Not Sure Whether Your Dispute Fits?
If your situation does not sit neatly within one category, an initial consultation can help identify whether mediation may still be appropriate.
Who It Is For
BEMN is designed for those working across the built environment
Contractors & Main Contractors
Subcontractors & Supply Chain Parties
Project Managers & Programme Teams
Consultants & Professional Advisers
Clients & Developers
Property & Building Stakeholders
How It Works
The Mediation Process
BEMN follows the same independent, confidential mediation framework used across Mediation Chambers, adapted to the commercial and operational realities of construction and project disputes.
Initial Consultation
A brief, confidential discussion to understand the issue and whether mediation is likely to be appropriate.
Preparation
The mediator clarifies the dispute, gathers relevant background and agrees the structure for the mediation.
Mediation Session
A structured, confidential session facilitated by an independent mediator.
Resolution
If agreement is reached, the terms can be recorded in writing and the parties can move to a practical next stage.
The Panel
Mediators with Commercial and Sector-Relevant Experience
BEMN draws on mediators within Mediation Chambers whose backgrounds are relevant to commercial relationships, financial pressure, organisational dynamics and multi-issue disputes of the kind often seen in the built environment.
Raphael Kessler
Experience in commercial, organisational and partnership disputes, relevant where project relationships have broken down and parties need a structured route back to practical decision-making.
Sarah Bond
Former solicitor with experience in senior HR and employment matters. Relevant where built-environment disputes involve workplace conflict, contractor relationships or organisational strain.
Natalia Sartor
Experience across insurance, technology and consulting disputes, useful where built-environment conflict involves multiple commercial issues, professional relationships and overlapping practical concerns.
Sector Insights
Built Environment Insight Hub
Practical guidance and commentary on dispute resolution in construction, projects and the built environment.
Browse InsightsMake an Enquiry
Make an Enquiry
A brief, confidential conversation can help identify whether mediation is likely to be the right route and what next step is proportionate.
Make an EnquiryOther Specialist Sector
Creative Industries Mediation Network
Specialist mediation for creative-industry disputes involving partnerships, rights conflicts, representation tensions and collaboration breakdowns.
Explore CIMNExplore Whether Mediation May Help
An initial consultation is a brief, confidential conversation to explore whether mediation may be appropriate for your dispute and what the next practical step should be.
BEMN is an initiative of Mediation Chambers