James Halstead Regulatory News (JHD)

31 January 2011

James Halstead plc

Pre-close Trading Statement

James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring manufacturer, is providing the following trading update prior to entering the close period ahead of its interim results for the six months to 31 December 2010.

James Halstead will announce these results on 31 March 2010.

The Chairman expressed confidence in ongoing trading at the Annual General Meeting held on 3 December 2010 and turnover in the period is around 14% ahead of the comparative period last year with December continuing the trend of previous months.

Overseas trading has been particularly strong, most notably in Europe and in Australasia, with the UK showing more modest progress.

The first half year has built on the strong base of recent years and although raw material price pressure is continuing the Group will report record "bottom-line" results for our first six months trading. In addition, we have significantly upgraded our Radcliffe production facility and also made progress in broadening our manufacturing base.

As ever cash generation is a key focus and cash balances remain above £ 30 million (30 June 2010 - £ 33.3 million) following dividend payments of £ 9.7 million and capital expenditure of £ 8 million.

Given all these factors we continue to be confident that the full year results will build on this position.

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