ICC United Kingdom

Our first Arbitration & ADR Masterclass of 2025 focused on energy disputes—a pressing issue as businesses navigate the complexities of the energy transition. Legal and industry experts shared real-world case studies, key insights, and best practices in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Here are a few key takeaways that emerged from the sessions: 📌 Energy disputes are escalating The drive for renewable energy in a world of volatile markets and prices, heightened geopolitical and supply chain risks, and regulatory uncertainty are creating a “perfect storm” for disputes. As the energy transition accelerates, companies must prepare for an uptick in “disputes on steroids”.   📌 Business needs faster dispute resolution Delays in resolving disputes can stall project financing and execution. With disputes on the rise, some question whether the current arbitration framework remains fit for purpose or in need of reform. Businesses may push arbitral institutions to adapt as service providers, while early engagement with legal counsel remains a prudent strategy.   📌 Rise of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) With disputes on the rise, ADR mechanisms—particularly mediation—are gaining traction. The Singapore Convention is reinforcing mediation as a viable path, and businesses may wish to adopt a pragmatic, case-by-case approach to dispute resolution.   📌 Volatility and contract resilience Volatility isn’t always easily predictable, and it is difficult to factor all risks and variables into a contract. Some disputes entering arbitration now stem from events that occurred 4-5 years ago. Experience shows that contracts may require more precise language than standard “force majeure” clauses, with careful consideration given to both Common Law and Civil Law implications.   📌 AI and technology in dispute resolution Technology and AI are reshaping arbitration and mediation. ICC has launched a Task Force on AI in Arbitration, while ICC United Kingdom’s Working Group will also explore AI’s role in resolving disputes. A big thank you to everyone who attended, and to our sponsor J.S. Held LLC, our host Herbert Smith Freehills and to our speakers for their invaluable contributions! Kai-Uwe Karl, Raeesa Rawal, Emma Johnson, Samantha Lord Hill, Ceyda Knoebel, Jonathon Redwood SC, Gary Kitt, Suber Akther, Andrew Philip, Marie Berard, Nicholas Gould, Craig Tevendale, Guy Pendell, Brendan Vickers International Chamber of Commerce ICC Arbitration To learn more about our 2025 Arbitration & ADR programme or to enquire about our call for papers for our upcoming masterclasses and conference, please contact us at: arbitration@iccwbo.uk. #EnergyDisputes #Arbitration #Mediation #ADR #EnergyTransition #DisputeResolution #Renewables #OilAndGas

It's time to focus on the big economic opportunities in trade where everyone wins. The US, UK and others have a vast opportunity to transform the trading system and improve access to finance. Voters and businesses are demanding change now, not in 3-5 years time. They want costs reduced, friction removed and our economies to grow again. No more promises without delivery or political agreements but more ambition, urgency and focus on the task. Action is what we all need! #Trade #digitalisation and #regulatory #reform can deliver this.

"We need to appeal to Donald Trump's business acumen" ICC United Kingdom Secretary General Chris Southworth joined @Ben Thompson BBC News the global Business News show. Nobody wins from a trade war but there are two vast economic opportunities where everyone wins and the US can lead: 1. $10 trillion is up for grabs to modernise and digitalise the trading system and make trade cheaper, faster and simpler. 2. £2.7 trillion is up for grabs to shake up the regulatory system and unlock short-term, working capital for #SMEs Lord Karan Bilimoria John W.H. Denton AO Department for Business and Trade HM Treasury Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office United States Council for International Business (USCIB) #trade #tariffs #growth #productivity #innovation #finance #digitalisation #regulation #workingcapital #tradefinancegap

What do #tariffs mean for the #EU and #UK? Will the UK retaliate? Listen to our Secretary General Chris Southworth talk to Mark Austin on Sky News A trade war benefits no-one. Least of all the poorest in society and smallest business who feel the pain of cost increases the most. The UK is in an interesting position to help negotiate a practical solution. We are long time allies with the US, have a highly sophisticated relationship with the US, are core trade partners, both of us have much to gain from more trade together and both of us have similar societal challenges - disaffected, angry segments of society etc... We understand each other better than most and can help solve tensions with others if we work together. ICC United Kingdom United States Council for International Business (USCIB) International Chamber of Commerce Department for Business and Trade

Today is the final chance to register for the ICC United Kingdom Arbitration Masterclass: Present and Future Trends of Energy Disputes! Join us tomorrow at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP from 15:00 - 19:00 GMT where our keynote speaker Kai-Uwe Karl, Global Chief Litigation Counsel at GE, will provide key insights on the evolving role of arbitral institutions in the energy transition: The shift is driving major policy changes, rapid renewables expansion, and large-scale energy projects. As fossil fuel infrastructure is retired, stranded assets and commercial disputes may increase, potentially delaying progress toward net-zero. With energy disputes growing in complexity, the question arises—are existing arbitral mechanisms equipped to handle these emerging challenges, or is reform needed? Register here: https://lnkd.in/dVKAUgEb #EnergyTransition #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #NetZero #ICC

How five years of Brexit reshaped Britain ICC United Kingdom Secretary General Chris Southworth spoke to the Financial Times about the impact of Brexit. He suggested that given the UK’s red lines the government should invest in digitising trade, using AI and improving access to trade finance in order to help business. “You don’t need TCA for any of this, and it will improve EU co-operation and repair some of the damage,” he added. Read the article in full here: https://lnkd.in/eb9qEDKe Department for Business and Trade HM Treasury Department for Science, Innovation and Technology #WeAreICC #Trade #TradeFinance #Growth #Productivity #Innovation

As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, mediation is emerging as a vital tool for resolving disputes efficiently. But what role does it play in the energy transition? Don't miss the opportunity to join us at the upcoming ICC United Kingdom Arbitration Masterclass: "Present and Future Trends of Energy Disputes" on 4 February 2025 at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, where our keynote speaker Raeesa Rawal, Of Counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills, will explore:   ➡️ Current advancements in the world of mediation, including the Singapore Convention and its ratification by global players. ➡️ The types of disputes that can arise in the energy transition and how mediation can be used to resolve them. ➡️ Best practice to ensure the effective use of mediation   Only a few days left to register! ➡️Secure your seat here: https://lnkd.in/dVKAUgEb Members: Free / Non-members: £100 + VAT Full agenda: ⏰ Tuesday, 4 February 2025 from 15:00 - 19:00 GMT 📍 In person at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, London, EC2A 2EG #Energy #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #Renewables #EnergyDisputes #OilAndGas #Mediation #EnergyTransition

Don't miss the opportunity to join us for our second panel discussion at the ICC United Kingdom Arbitration Masterclass: "Present and Future Trends of Energy Disputes" on 4 February 2025 at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. Only a few days left to register! ➡️Secure your seat here: https://lnkd.in/dVKAUgEb Members: Free / Non-members: £100 + VAT 📌 Renewables disputes: Looking over the horizon Renewables Disputes' were the 'hot topic' for panel discussions in 2024. But what have we learnt from the renewables disputes experience so far and, more importantly, what can we expect in the years to come? This panel discussion will highlight recent trends and will look towards the future. Moderator: Gary Kitt, Senior Managing Director, J.S. Held LLC Panellists Nicholas Gould, Partner, Fenwick Elliott Suber Akther, Principal Litigation Counsel, Siemens Energy Marie Berard, Partner, Clifford Chance Andrew Philip, Renewables Legal Director, ScottishPower Full agenda: ⏰ Tuesday, 4 February 2025 from 15:00 - 19:00 GMT 📍 In person at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, London, EC2A 2EG #Energy #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #Renewables #EnergyDisputes #OilAndGas

This morning, ahead of Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves' pivotal address on UK growth, ICC United Kingdom Secretary General Chris Southworth, spoke to TalkTV to underscore the critical role of #internationaltrade in stimulating our economy. Chris highlighted the significant opportunity to reignite UK economic #growth through international trade, currently hampered by bureaucracy, over-regulation, and outdated systems. International trade, a trillion-pound industry, demands streamlined processes. He emphasised the opportunity to reignite growth by streamlining international trade processes, which are currently hindered by bureaucracy and outdated systems. With international trade being a trillion-pound industry, there’s a clear need for smarter regulations and agile frameworks like those in the UAE and US. By modernising our approach, reducing capital costs, and improving access to trade finance, we can overcome trade barriers and accelerate economic growth. "In these tough times, focusing on innovation, investment, and growth opportunities is essential," Chris concluded.

ICC United Kingdom Secretary General Chris Southworth joined Eleni Giokos on CNN International's Connect The World show. In a thought-provoking discussion, Chris provided expert analysis and insight in response to President Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum. Watch the clip below. #Leadership #GlobalEconomy #WEF2025 #GlobalTrade #TradePolicy #InternationalRelations #EconomicGrowth #Geopolitics