Trading Statement

Paragon Group Of Companies PLC
24 March 2004


                       THE PARAGON GROUP OF COMPANIES PLC

                                 Trading Update


The Paragon Group of Companies PLC will shortly be meeting analysts ahead of its
close period for the half year ending 31 March 2004. The following is an update
of the trading position of the Group ahead of the end of the half year.

The Directors are pleased to report that trading remains strong in both the
first mortgage and consumer finance divisions, in line with their expectations.
Against the corresponding period last year, lending volumes are significantly
ahead, as is the current pipeline of business awaiting completion.

Within the First Mortgages division, new lending by Paragon Mortgages is
significantly higher than the first half of last year, reflecting Paragon
Mortgages' strength as a specialist lender to the more professional buy to let
investor. Mortgage Trust (formerly Britannic Money) traded profitably in this
period. The integration of its support and administrative functions with the
Group's operations at Solihull and London is now substantially complete, and its
product and distribution focus has been realigned towards more profitable
business. The credit performance of the mortgage portfolio, particularly the buy
to let book, remains strong.

Within the consumer finance division, the secured personal lending business
continues to be the focus, with lending volumes significantly ahead of the
corresponding period last year. We have continued to restrict lending in the car
finance area. Across the portfolio we have seen no deterioration in credit
quality.

The Board of Directors intends to announce the interim results for the six
months ending 31 March 2004 on 26 May and a full report on the progress achieved
by the Group will be issued at that time.



For further information, please contact:

Nigel S Terrington
Chief Executive - Tel: [phone]

or

John L Wriglesworth
The Wriglesworth Consultancy - Tel: [phone]


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange