Pre-close Trading Update

James Halstead PLC
28 January 2008



                                                                 28 January 2008


                               James Halstead plc
                          Pre-close Trading Statement


James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring manufacturer and distributor, is
providing the following trading update prior to entering the close period ahead
of its interim results for the six months to 31 December 2007.


James Halstead will announce these results on 31 March 2008.

The confidence expressed by the Chairman, Mr Geoffrey Halstead, at the Annual
General Meeting, held on 7 December 2007, has been well founded. Turnover in the
year to 30 June 2007 was 13% ahead of the prior year and first half turnover, on
a like for like basis, has  grown by at least this amount against the prior year
comparative. Both UK turnover and international sales are ahead with Central
European sales being particularly positive. The weakness of sterling has
improved several key market margins and has, to a significant extent, lessened
the effects of raw material and energy cost increases.

The growth in turnover will translate into profit growth which will be
demonstrated in the forthcoming interims.


Enquiries:

James Halstead
Mark Halstead, Chief Executive          Telephone : [phone]
Gordon Oliver, Finance Director

Hudson Sandler
Nick Lyon                               Telephone : [phone]






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