Disputes risks are an ever-present part of doing business. Indeed, for some, these risks are built into their business model. They like to move fast and accept they may break some things. Disputes are part of the cost of achieving their goals. For most, however, there is a resigned acceptance that disputes – although best avoided – will inevitably arise at some point.

Whatever view a business takes of risks, with forethought there is much that can be done to anticipate and mitigate the downsides that disputes can bring, and provide the legal resilience needed to navigate the future confidently.

Yet, according to our research, relatively few businesses today are likely to have devoted significant time and resource to identifying and managing the future disputes risks that may hinder, or even derail their plans.