Mediation refusal

[Smokeyfish]

Hi all, I have an ongoing dispute with a tradesman who has issued court proceedings against me for money owed but in my opinion done an awful job and refused to rectify it hence the final payment not being made. I have defended the claim and issued a counter claim. On the directions questionnaire we both submitted we both ticked the yes to mediation box and I have offered this several times. This as always been refused. After a preliminary hearing I have again, offered mediation but again, refused. I know I can’t force them to take this route but is it likely to bite them at a later date if they’re ticking a box on a court paper but refusing any chance to prevent this going to a hearing?

thanks