The Protocols Practice Direction states that the objectives of pre-action protocols are:

to encourage the exchange of early and full information about the prospective legal claim,

to enable parties to avoid litigation be agreeing a settlement of the claim before the commencement of proceedings, and

to support the efficient management of proceedings where litigation cannot be avoided.

Whether or not a particular protocol applies to a dispute, parties to a potential dispute should follow reasonable procedure, suitable to their particular circumstances, which is intended to avoid litigation. They should conduct genuine and reasonable negotiations with a view to settling the claim economically and without court proceedings.