Supporting businesses through better justice systems

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face costly, complex, and time-consuming legal disputes that can result in financial losses, customer attrition, or even business closure. Such challenges not only hurt individual firms but can also undermine broader economic growth and investment. SMEs typically lack the legal resources and protections available to larger firms or consumers, making access to affordable and timely justice essential. As SMEs navigate global crises and elevated uncertainty, improved access to justice is critical for resilience and growth. Alternatives to litigation – such as online dispute resolution (ODR), negotiation, mediation, and arbitration – offer more efficient ways to resolve conflicts. Technology and digitalisation can support fairer, quicker outcomes. This paper outlines key principles and international best practices for enhancing SME access to justice, including recommendations for responsive legal services and a proposed Code of Dispute Resolution for Businesses to ensure consistent, equitable conflict resolution for both companies and citizens.