AGM Statement

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
21 April 2004


                             W H IRELAND GROUP PLC

                                ('W H Ireland')

                                 AGM STATEMENT


The following trading update was given by the Chairman at the Annual General
Meeting of WH Ireland Group Plc held in Manchester.

'In my statement in the Report & Accounts, I reported that the current year had
started well and, subject to a continuation of market conditions, we looked
forward to a further year of growth and measured expansion.

I am pleased to report that trading has continued to be buoyant in the first
four months of the current year.  Our acquisitions of the Cardiff office of a
competitor and of Ingram Phillips have proved to be successful and our core
activities, particularly corporate finance, are very busy.  We regard the recent
consolidation in the market as a positive sign for the medium term and we are
confident of a strong set of figures when we announce our half year results in
August.

We are continuing to grow our capability in both stockbroking and IFA advice
and, provided market conditions remain stable, look forward to reporting good
results for the year as a whole.

Sir David Trippier

Chairman'

All the resolutions put before the meeting were passed.

Press enquiries:

  W H Ireland Group plc                                      Tel: [phone]
  Laurie Beevers, Chief Executive
  David Youngman, Managing Director



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