Trading Statement

Latham(James) PLC
16 August 2002



James Latham plc 

First Quarter 2002/03 Trading Statement


Including the new depots, sales for April/June 2002 are 9.4% ahead of last year
inspite of a poor June, which was adversely affected by the extra bank Holiday
and the Football World Cup. Sales in July were also ahead of last year.

Competition has been fierce and has put pressure on margins.

Overheads are increasing due to costs of establishing new depots at Purfleet and
Thurrock, and the recently opened depot at West Bromwich for Nevill Long Ltd.

Progress in obtaining planning consent for the Clapton site is painfully slow
and is not likely to be obtained for several months.
 

R J Latham
Chairman
 
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