Mediating Agreed Outcomes

The Mediator helps resolve disputes to minimise the impact on your business

In any relationship, things can go wrong sometimes – what matters is how you put them right. ‘That’s especially important in franchising, where disputes between franchisors and franchisees can impact not just on customers but on the whole franchise network,’ says Trish Blyth, better known as ‘The Mediator’. ‘Disputes are a costly distraction for everyone; mediation is a faster, cheaper and less stressful way to resolve a dispute than through a Court or Tribunal.’

Trish is one of New Zealand’s foremost mediators with over 30 years’ experience. Having trained originally as a mediator, she went on to become a lawyer – but returned to full-time mediation after seeing how much time, energy and money her clients spent dealing with their disputes through legal channels.

‘Mediation is a process for resolving disputes where an independent mediator assists the parties to negotiate and reach a mutually satisfactory settlement,’ she explains. ‘Having been on the Franchise Association’s Mediation Panel for over 10 years, I know the process has several advantages in a franchise relationship. The franchisor and franchisee can often resolve their dispute, get back on track and move forward together.’

As part of this process, Trish coaches the parties to communicate better so that they can work together more effectively in the future. But if the outcome is agreeing to end the relationship, mediation can help work out a smoother transition for all parties.

Face-to-face or online

Trish has conducted mediations involving franchise brands in the cleaning, transport, hospitality, building, courier, lawnmowing and after-school care sectors. Her online mediation service is a great option for franchisors and franchisees who live in different parts of New Zealand or overseas, further reducing costs.

Scott Goodwin, from North Shore-based franchise specialists Goodwin Turner Commercial Lawyers, engaged Trish Trish Blyth is The Mediator for two recent mediations involving high profile franchises. ‘Trish was very professional. The parties were entrenched in their positions, but Trish used her skills to help them work together and we signed a settlement agreement that met both parties’ needs and that both lawyers were happy with.’

And Scott Jenyns, CEO of Aramex New Zealand, also recommends The Mediator. ‘Trish mediated a difficult situation with a franchisee and we achieved a great result. She was able to help the parties listen to each other and work out the best way forward. In this case, that meant ending the franchise relationship with an agreement that suited both parties.’

As Trish says, ‘Disputes are rare in most franchises, but when they do arise it’s good to have a solution available that doesn’t involve both parties immediately reaching for their lawyers. If you are a franchisor or franchisee with an issue, let me help you resolve it quickly before it affects your business, your brand and your customers. Call me or visit my website to find out more.’

Advertiser Info

Contact Trish Blyth

M 021 677 950

trish@themediator.co.nz

www.themediator.co.nz