Wrexham law firm welcomes Sarah Talbot into new role
Robert Williams, who became an equity partner at GHP Legal in 2002 and was head of the firm's Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Dispute Resolution departments, stepped down to become a consultant working three days a week, following his appointment as 2025-26 President of Cheshire and North Wales Law Society earlier this month.
Taking Robert's place as an equity partner is Sarah Talbot, who joined GHP Legal's litigation team as a senior solicitor in 2022. Flintshire-raised Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 2013 after studying Law at Liverpool John Moores University part-time whilst raising her children.
Read more: North Wales firm launches paid internship scheme with over 50 jobs up for grabs
Since qualifying as a solicitor, Sarah has represented both businesses and individuals in a broad range of disputes, including commercial and consumer contracts, property and building issues, professional negligence, data breaches, and inheritance claims. Her clients have included FTSE 100 companies and high-net-worth individuals
When she is not working Sarah enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. She also likes to keep fit and enjoys the occasional park run. She once participated in the Three Peaks 24-hour challenge, reaching the summit of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours to raise money for a charitable cause.
Read more: 'We're humbled' - Meet the winner of best deli, butchers, farm shop 2025
More recently she took part in a local 5k charity run alongside her colleagues at GHP Legal, raising money for Nightingale House Hospice and making her a perfect fit in the GHP Legal family that is renowned for its charity fundraising and support of local sporting events.
Welcoming Sarah into the GHP Legal partner fold, senior partner, Richard Lloyd, said: "We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the partnership. Her deep expertise in civil litigation, strategic insight, and dedication to client service makes her a valuable addition to our team. As we continue to strengthen our litigation offering, Sarah will play a key role in driving excellence and delivering the results our clients expect."
Sarah added: "I'm truly honoured to be promoted to Partner at GHP Legal. I want to thank the partnership and my colleagues for their trust and support. It's a privilege to work alongside such a talented team and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the firm in this new chapter."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
M&S boss trousered more than £7m last year - before firm was hit crippling cyber attack
Marks & Spencer's boss was paid more than £7million last year – before the firm was hit by a crippling cyber attack. Stuart Machin saw his pay jump to £7.1million in the 12 months to March 29 from £5.1million the previous year. The details, published in the annual report yesterday, came as the High Street stalwart grapples with the fallout from a hack that has left it unable to sell clothes online for more than a month. An M&S spokesman said Machin's pay – which saw his basic salary of £843,000 topped up with bonuses and other awards – 'reflects the strong performance and growth of M&S under his leadership over the last three years'. Machin, 55, and chairman Archie Norman have overseen a dramatic turnaround at M&S. The share price has soared, taking the firm back into the FTSE 100. Profits have hit their highest level for more than 15 years. Machin's salary is set to increase by 2 per cent this year to £866,000. But there are questions over his bonus for the current year after the cyber hack, which the business estimates will cost it £300million. M&S said it is 'reviewing the performance metrics and targets' for its share award plan due to the cyber attack and will disclose these before the end of the year. Shares hit a nine-year high earlier this year, but have plunged by 9 per cent since details of the hack emerged over the Easter bank holiday. Shares yesterday gained 1.6 per cent to 380.3p. Norman said the incident had caused a 'significant' impact which 'will endure for some weeks or even months'. But he added: 'I am confident that in a year's time the cyber incident will prove to have been a bump in the road along the path to growth.' And Machin, who has led the firm since 2022, said: 'There is no change to our strategy and our longer-term plans to reshape M&S for growth and, if anything, the incident allows us to accelerate the pace of change as we draw a line and move on.' Customers' personal data, which is thought to have included names and contact details, was taken by the criminals. And the disruption last month resulted in some empty shelves in shops as well as forcing the retailer to suspend online shopping. Cyber criminals have also targeted the Co-op, Harrods, Christian Dior and Victoria's Secret in recent weeks.
Edinburgh Reporter
5 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Finding the Best Audi Finance Deals: A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers
Let me tell you about Sarah. She walked into my office looking utterly defeated. Her dream was an Audi Q5, but after visits to several dealerships, she was convinced she'd be stuck with a terrible interest rate. The whole process had left her feeling confused and powerless. That's exactly where I knew I could help. We sat down, I carefully reviewed her credit situation, broke down the dealership's baffling offer, and then, using a bit of strategic negotiation honed over years in this field, we walked out of there with a finance deal that literally saved her thousands of dollars. Stories like Sarah's are precisely why I'm so passionate about empowering car buyers like you. For over a decade, I've been in the trenches, helping folks navigate the often-choppy waters of Audi finance deals. The world of auto finance is always shifting, with things like interest rate fluctuations and new manufacturer incentives constantly changing the game. In this guide, I'm going to share my insider knowledge – the kind of expert advice and financial guidance that will give you the tools and strategies to lock in the best possible deal on your next Audi. Understanding Car Financing Basics: Loan vs. Lease – Which Is Right for You? Ever felt like car finance talk is a whole other language? You're not alone! When it comes to getting your Audi, you'll mainly hear about two paths: taking out a car loan or opting for an auto lease. Think of a car loan as the traditional way to buy: you borrow money to purchase the vehicle outright. Each month, you make payments that cover the borrowed amount (the principal) plus interest (that's your APR, or Annual Percentage Rate). Once all payments are made, that beautiful Audi is all yours, free and clear – true vehicle ownership. An auto lease, though, is more like a long-term rental. You make monthly payments to use the Audi for a set period. These payments are often lower than loan payments because you're essentially covering the car's depreciation (how much value it loses) during your lease term, not its full price. At the end of the lease, you usually have a few choices: return the car, buy it for a price set at the start (related to its residual value), or lease a brand-new vehicle. A key thing with leasing is mileage limits; go over your allowance, and you'll face penalties. It's a crucial part of any loan vs lease comparison. I remember a young couple, just out of college, who came to me completely torn. They loved the idea of driving a new Audi A3 every few years (a big plus of leasing!), but they also craved the eventual security of owning their car. We chatted about their driving habits (they didn't drive huge distances) and their financial goals (short-term flexibility was key). It turned out leasing was the perfect fit for them at that point in their lives. It really boils down to this: understanding your own needs, how you'll use the car, and your financial priorities is the very first step in making the right choice between buying vs leasing a car. Current Audi Finance Landscape (2025): Interest Rates, Incentives, and Special Offers Looking at the auto finance market as we head through 2025, Audi buyers will find a mix of challenges and opportunities. On average, car loan rates (your current car loan rates) are hovering around 7-8% for folks with good credit. Lease rates can be a bit more all over the place, depending on the specific Audi model and the lease length. Yes, these rates are a tad higher than we've seen in recent years, reflecting broader economic trends. But here's the good news: Audi often rolls out some pretty attractive Audi incentives and special financing programs to catch your eye. We're talking things like low-APR financing on certain models, cash-back rebates, or even bonus deals for recent college grads or military personnel (these are great manufacturer rebates!). You absolutely want to keep an eye out for these Audi special offers, as they can seriously reduce your overall cost, whether you're buying or leasing, and should definitely play into your decision! Your best bet is to always check with your local Audi dealer or hop onto the Audi USA website for the latest financing deals and car buying incentives in your area. Preparing for Your Audi Finance Journey: Credit Score, Budget, and Research Okay, before you even dream of stepping onto an Audi dealership lot, a bit of proactive financial preparation for car buying is absolutely key. First things first: know where you stand with your credit score. You can get a free credit report from Why does this matter so much? A higher credit score almost always means lower interest rates on your car loan pre-approval. If your score isn't quite where you want it, now's the time to focus on paying down debt, disputing any errors you find, and making all your payments on time. Even a small bump in your score can save you a surprising amount of money over the life of a loan. It's crucial for getting good credit for a car loan. Next up, let's talk about creating a realistic car budget. And I don't just mean the monthly payment! You need to factor in insurance, gas, maintenance, and those potential unexpected repairs. Figure out what you can comfortably afford each month without feeling financially squeezed. There are some great online budgeting tools, or you can download a template to help track your income and expenses. A handy guideline many people use is the 20/4/10 rule: aim for a 20% down payment, try to finance for no more than 4 years, and keep your total car expenses (including insurance and gas) below 10% of your gross monthly income. This helps with budgeting for a new car. Finally, do your homework with some thorough Audi research. Dive into the different models, trim levels, and available options. Get clear on the features you genuinely need versus those that are just 'nice-to-haves.' Knowing the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) and, importantly, the invoice price (what the dealer likely paid) for your desired Audi model will put you in a much stronger negotiating position. Websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, and even are fantastic vehicle research tools for understanding car prices. The more clued-in you are, the better equipped you'll be to snag a favorable deal. Image by Євген from Pixabay Negotiation Strategies for Audi Finance Deals: My Insider Tips Now for the part many people find a bit daunting (but it can actually be empowering!): car negotiation. Here's a big tip: almost everything is negotiable. That includes the price of the car, the interest rate on your loan, and even the terms of a lease! Start by making a reasonable offer based on all that great research you did and your budget. And don't ever be afraid to walk away if the initial offer doesn't feel right. Dealerships want to make a sale, and they're often willing to negotiate to do so. Knowing how to negotiate car price is a real skill. When it comes to the interest rate negotiation (or car loan interest rate bargaining), here's a power move: walk in with a pre-approved car loan from your own bank or credit union. This gives you serious leverage because the dealership knows you have another solid option. You can then ask the finance manager to beat your pre-approved rate. A simple phrase like, 'I appreciate you looking at options, but I already have financing secured at – can you beat that?' lets them know you're serious and ready to move. If they can't, you can confidently use your outside financing. Lease terms are also on the table for lease negotiation. Don't hesitate to ask for a lower monthly payment, a shorter lease term, or more miles per year. You can also try to negotiate by improving the money factor (similar to an interest rate for leases) or adjusting the residual value. I once helped a client negotiate a lower mileage penalty on her Audi Q3 lease. How? Simply by pointing out that her primary use was a short commute to work. These are all lease terms negotiation tips that can save you money. I remember going with a friend to an Audi dealership when she was set on an A4. The first offer they gave her was several thousand dollars above the MSRP! We calmly presented comparable sales data from other nearby dealerships and firmly, but politely, stated our willingness to walk away. After a bit of back-and-forth, we successfully negotiated the price down to below the invoice price. The key to successful Audi dealer negotiation and dealership negotiation tactics is to be polite but persistent, know your numbers cold, and genuinely be prepared to leave if the deal isn't right. Remember, you're in control. Avoiding Common Audi Finance Pitfalls: Hidden Fees, Add-ons, and Deceptive Practices Unfortunately, the car buying world isn't always smooth sailing. Some dealerships might try to use deceptive practices to boost their profits. One common tactic is 'loan packing,' where they quietly add extras like extended warranties, paint protection, or fabric treatments to your loan without you explicitly asking for them. These often unnecessary car add-ons can really inflate your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan. Always, always scrutinize the itemized list of charges. These are common car buying mistakes. Another pitfall is hidden fees. These might pop up as 'documentation fees,' 'processing fees,' or other vague charges that aren't clearly explained. Before you sign anything, demand a detailed breakdown of all fees and question anything that seems suspicious, excessive, or wasn't discussed. Don't be afraid to challenge these – these are potential car financing red flags! A knowledgeable consumer is a powerful one. And, of course, be aware of outright auto finance scams – keep your personal information safe and never give it to unverified sources. Avoiding dealership scams is paramount. I recall a client who was shown what looked like a great finance deal on a used Audi A6. But, buried deep in the fine print, were several hundred dollars in 'dealer prep' fees that were never mentioned upfront. I advised him to push back hard, arguing that these fees were unreasonable and unnecessary. The dealership eventually caved and removed them, saving him a good chunk of money. Always understand car loan fees. Checklist of Things to Watch Out For: Unexplained or ridiculously high fees. Add-ons you didn't ask for or agree to. Interest rates that are suddenly higher than what you discussed or expected. Any changes to the agreed-upon price of the car. Feeling pressured to sign quickly without a chance to thoroughly review all the paperwork. Making the Final Decision & What to Expect at Signing: Reviewing the Contract and Understanding the Fine Print You've done it! You've negotiated a deal you're happy with – congratulations! But hold on, the journey isn't quite over. The next super crucial step is to carefully review the car contract, auto loan agreement, or lease agreement before you sign anything. Don't let them rush you through this part! Take your time, read every single page, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions in the fine print. This is a key part of the car buying final steps. Pay very close attention to the interest rate (APR), the loan term (how long you'll be paying), the exact monthly payment amount, any fees or charges, and the total cost of the loan. If you're leasing, meticulously review the mileage limits, any fees for early termination, and how the residual value is calculated. It's vital to ensure that all the verbal agreements you made during negotiations are accurately reflected in the written vehicle purchase agreement and auto finance paperwork. Don't ever hesitate to ask questions if something isn't crystal clear. It's far better to clarify any doubts or concerns before your signature is on that dotted line. If you're really unsure about any part of the contract, it might be wise to seek advice from a trusted financial advisor or even an attorney. The contract should also clearly state the lender information, the total amount financed, and any service agreements you've opted for. Once you're genuinely comfortable with all the terms and conditions, then you can confidently sign the signing documents and drive away in your amazing new Audi! Maintaining Your Audi's Value During Financing While you're diligently making those payments on your Audi, remember that the car itself is an asset, and its value is worth protecting. Proper Audi maintenance and consistent car care are absolutely essential for preserving its car value and maximizing your trade-in value when you eventually decide to upgrade. Following Audi's recommended Audi service schedule is crucial – this means regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other preventative measures. Over time, consistent vehicle upkeep like this can also positively impact your Audi's resale rate, as any good dealer like Audi Jacksonville would tell you. This is key for how to maintain car value. Beyond the scheduled service, pay attention to your Audi's appearance. Regular washing and waxing will protect that beautiful paint from the elements and help prevent rust. If you get minor scratches or dents, try to address them promptly to avoid further damage. Keeping the interior clean and free from stains also makes a big difference. A well-maintained Audi not only looks better and feels better to drive, but it will also command a higher price when it's time to sell or trade it in. Protecting its appearance with quality products and regular cleaning really does go a long way. This is all part of Audi ownership care and helps in maximizing trade-in. Think of your Audi as an investment. By prioritizing its upkeep, you're not just ensuring its reliability and performance; you're also safeguarding its long-term value. This is especially important during the financing period, as significant depreciation can affect your options if you want to refinance or trade-in down the road. Conclusion: Your Path to a Smarter Audi Finance Deal See? Navigating the sometimes-complex world of Audi finance doesn't have to be an overwhelming nightmare. By understanding the basics of car loans and leases (and getting the best Audi financing for you), diligently preparing for the whole process, mastering a few smart negotiation strategies, and knowing how to sidestep common pitfalls, you can confidently secure the best possible deal on your dream Audi. This expert advice from this car finance guide is all about helping you make smarter choices and, ultimately, save you money, making you an informed car buyer. Like this: Like Related
The Independent
9 hours ago
- The Independent
Defence and gold in favour as FTSE 100 ekes out marginal gains
The FTSE 100 eked out marginal gains on Monday as advances in defence stocks helped offset nerves surrounding renewed US-China trade tensions. The FTSE 100 index closed up 1.88 points at 8,774.26. The FTSE 250 ended up just 0.96 of a point at 21,028.97, and the AIM All-Share closed up 1.45 points, 0.2%, at 748.13. Defence stocks climbed as Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from April 2027 with an ambition – but no firm commitment – to increase it to 3% during the next parliament. The Prime Minister said he was '100% confident' the plans in the new strategic defence review – including extra attack submarines, £15 billion on nuclear warheads and thousands of new long-range weapons – could be delivered on current funding plans. On the FTSE 100, Babcock International rose 8.3% while on the FTSE 250, Qinetiq advanced 4.5%. In European equities on Monday, the CAC 40 in Paris fell 0.2%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt eased 0.3%. European equities were held back by fresh developments in tariffs and renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China. Late on Friday, US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminium to 50%, starting this Wednesday. At the same time, tensions with China resurfaced after Beijing rejected Mr Trump's accusations of violating the Geneva truce struck earlier in May. On Monday, China's commerce ministry said it had upheld the deal. It accused Washington of introducing 'a series of discriminatory and restrictive measures' in recent weeks that undermined the Geneva consensus and harmed 'China's legitimate rights and interests'. Hani Abuagla, senior market analyst at XTB MENA, said although US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that a call between Mr Trump and China's President Xi Jinping may take place soon, markets remain wary of further escalation. 'The lack of clear progress risks reigniting trade volatility just as investors look for greater policy clarity,' Mr Abuagla added. The latest twist in the trade war saga saw renewed falls for the dollar and gains for the euro and sterling. The pound was quoted up at 1.3546 dollars late on Monday afternoon in London, compared with 1.3476 dollars at the equities close on Friday. The euro stood higher at 1.1429 dollars against 1.1348 dollars. Against the yen, the dollar was trading lower at 142.75 yen compared with 144.23 yen. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury widened to 4.46% from 4.41% on Friday. The yield on the US 30-year Treasury stretched to 5.00% from 4.92%. In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.6% at the time of the London equities close on Monday. The S&P 500 was 0.3% lower and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.1%. Investors weighed weaker-than-expected US manufacturing data. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global US manufacturing purchasing managers' index recorded 52.0 in May, rising from 50.2 in April. However, it fell short of the 52.3 flash estimate posted late last month. Meanwhile, figures from the Institute for Supply Management showed economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in May for the third consecutive month. The ISM manufacturing PMI registered 48.5 in May, compared with 48.7 in April, and below the 49.5 consensus. 'Manufacturing is muddling through tariff-related disruptions for the time being rather than falling apart, but the sector remains under intense pressure, with marked increases in the prices of many goods likely in the pipeline,' said Oliver Allen at Pantheon Macroeconomics. Data in Europe showed manufacturing was also subdued. The eurozone manufacturing sector remained in contraction in May but got closer to stabilisation, survey results from S&P Global showed on Monday. The Hamburg Commercial Bank manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 49.4 points in May from 49.0 in April, edging closer to the 50-point no-change mark. The final score was in line with the flash reading published late last month and reflects a 33-month-high. The PMI reading indicates a further easing of the manufacturing sector slowdown, S&P Global said, with the headline index reaching its highest level since August 2022. In the UK, the manufacturing sector also stayed in contraction territory in May, amid weak global demand and turbulent market conditions. The S&P Global UK manufacturing purchasing managers' index picked up to 46.4 points in May, from 45.4 in April, though it remained below the 50-point neutral mark. The reading topped the 45.1 point flash estimate. The renewed trade angst saw the price of safe haven gold shine once more. The yellow metal jumped to 3,371.47 dollars an ounce on Monday against 3,286.33 dollars. On AIM, Eagle Eye plummeted 43%. The London-based software-as-a-service marketing solutions company said Neptune Retail Solutions has, with effect from August 2, terminated a contract worth between £9 million and £10 million in annual revenue. It explained that the contract was to provide digital promotional services to a national US grocer, and that NRS in 2023 acquired digital promotions and content provider Quotient Technology Inc. 'The board is confident that this change has no impact on the group's growth opportunities, which remain strong,' Eagle Eye said. The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Babcock International up 77p at 1,013p, Endeavour Mining, up 154p at 2,406p, Fresnillo, up 70p at 1,233p, Rentokil Initial up 11.6p at 363.2p, and British Airways owner IAG, up 9.2p at 335.3p. The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were Ashtead Group down 177p at 4,158p, WPP, down 17.2p at 582.2p, Taylor Wimpey, down 2.6p at 116.9p, JD Sports Fashion, down 1.56p at 82.5p, and Spirax Group, down 105p at 5,610p. Brent oil was higher at 64.58 dollars a barrel at the time of the London equities close on Monday, compared with 62.53 dollars on Friday. Tuesday's UK corporate calendar has full-year results from utility Pennon Group and a trading statement from tobacco retailer British American Tobacco. The economic calendar on Tuesday has eurozone CPI and unemployment figures, and US factory orders data.
