ICC United Kingdom's Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee appoints new Vice-Chairs

September 25, 2017

London: 25 September 2017

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) United Kingdom has appointed two new Vice-Chairs to its Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee: Ian Quirk, Arbitration Consultant, Essex Court Chambers; and Ania Farren, Partner, Berwin Leighton Paisner. As existing members of the Committee and experienced arbitration practitioners, Iain and Ania are well-placed to support the Committee’s goals of promoting best practice, pooling ideas and promoting the services of ICC’s International Court of Arbitration.

The Committee provides a forum for UK business in shaping ICC’s arbitration and alternative dispute resolution rules (ADR), while also promoting arbitration and ADR as mechanisms for dispute resolution and overseeing nominations of UK arbitrators to the International Court of Arbitration.

The two appointments come as ICC United Kingdom releases a factsheet revealing its analysis of arbitration figures from July 2016 to July 2017. The findings show that:

  • There were 633 global arbitrator appointments over the year.
  • 17% of all appointments came from the UK.
  • 55% of appointments are UK barristers.
  • 8% of all appointments were nominated by ICC United Kingdom.
  • 28% of UK nominations are foreign firms.
  • 30 cases over the year had an average value of $14,000,000
  • 10 cases had an average value of under £1,000,000
  • The top UK sectors for arbitration were construction (20%), transport (17%), energy (13%), pharmaceuticals and commodities (7%), and engineering (6%).

The global figure for female arbitrator appointments over this period was 15% and the UK shows strong figures for female arbitration, with women forming 26% of arbitrators. The analysis also shows that 41% of UK nominations were women – indicating greater gender equality and progress following the introduction of the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge last year. What’s more, according to the UK arbitrator database, 25% of all UK arbitrators are under 40 years of age, showing the growing space for young arbitrators. 

“I look forward to supporting the Committee with its aim of promoting arbitration and ADR for UK business, particularly on the international stage,” said Ania Farren, new Cice-Chair and Partner, Berwin Leighton Paisner. “As coordinator of ICC United Kingdom’s Young Arbitrators Forum, it’s also encouraging to see such a significant number of young arbitrators starting their careers in the UK – a trend we hope to see continue in the years to come.”

“It’s a privilege to have been appointed as vice-Chair alongside Ania. The UK is the top source of arbitrators worldwide and remains an attractive venue for international parties,” said Iain Quirk, new Vice-Chair and Arbitration Consultant, Essex Court Chambers. “As the use of commercial arbitration and dispute resolution for international parties continues to increase, it is important that we provide UK arbitrators and businesses with a forum where they can voice their interests and shape ICC’s arbitration rules.”

Statement from Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom:
“In 2016, ICC reported its highest ever number of referrals with 966 arbitration requests filed. Our new Vice-Chairs will help promote UK arbitration and dispute resolution services on the global stage, reinforcing the UK’s attractive role as an arbitration hub and the reputable UK arbitrators - ensuring that they engage with ICC and have their say.”

 

Press contact:
Chelsy Shipman
Press & Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7655 1711
Email: press@iccwbo.uk

About ICC United Kingdom
ICC United Kingdom is the UK office of ICC – the world business organization, whose mission is to promote open trade and investment, shape the rules that govern international business and help business meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly integrated world economy. 
ICC United Kingdom represents the voice and priorities of UK companies on a global level – through an active policy programme and engagement with the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the G20 and other intergovernmental forums.





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