Trading Statement

Wilmington Group Plc
8 July 2002


                              WILMINGTON GROUP PLC


                           PRE-CLOSE PERIOD STATEMENT


                                  8 JULY 2002


Wilmington Group plc is making a pre-close period statement today in respect of
the 16 month period ended 30 June 2002.


Trading for the 16 month period ended 30 June 2002 was in line with market
expectations.


Despite the current economic climate, we continue to make further progress in
our strategy for long term growth. We look forward to modest growth overall in
the 12 months period ending 30 June 2003. In addition we are actively seeking
investment opportunities to enhance the company's growth and prospects.


Business Information


The business information division's results for the 4 month period ended 30 June
2002 are expected to show continued strong performance. A number of new
developments including two complementary acquisitions in June 2002, together
with the successful integration of previous acquisitions, are anticipated to
contribute to growth in this division in the year ending 30 June 2003.


Professional Training


The group's professional training division enjoyed record levels of revenue and
profit for the 12 month period ended 28 February 2002 and has continued to trade
in line with expectations. The professional training division is currently
investing in a number of new initiatives which are likely to produce returns
towards the end of 2003 and beyond. Notwithstanding this investment, it is
anticipated that the overall profit contribution from professional training,
after these development costs, will be maintained in the year ending 30 June
2003. The acquisition of Bond Solon in 2001 has proved successful with its
business significantly ahead of previous performance and anticipated to grow.


Magazine Publishing


In the magazine publishing division, which derives the majority of its revenue
from advertising, yields have remained under intense pressure. As previously
reported, we have implemented a significant cost reduction programme which has
produced annualised savings of approximately £2m. Nevertheless, trading
conditions continued to be difficult with the result that in the 4 month period
ended 30 June 2002 lower yields are expected to have outweighed these savings.
Our portfolio review, which has already resulted in the closure of two
magazines, remains ongoing.


Given current trading conditions, we do not anticipate that advertising revenues
will improve during the year ending 30 June 2003 and therefore do not anticipate
profit growth from this division.


In addition, we intend to adopt a cautious approach to the valuation of our
media assets in the light of current market conditions. Accordingly, whilst some
assets have produced significant profits over a number of years, and continue to
contribute positively to our overall profitability, we will be reviewing the
appropriateness of their carrying values in the balance sheet.


Outlook


Notwithstanding that trading conditions remain difficult, we expect to continue
making progress towards our goal of long term growth.


Our balance sheet remains strong and our acquisition bank facility unutilised,
and we continue to pursue suitable new opportunities that would complement our
existing businesses. The current market place provides us with many
opportunities for growth and therefore we remain cautiously optimistic about our
longer term prospects.


New Board Appointment


We are pleased to announce that Stephen Patrick Broome has joined the board of
Wilmington Group plc today. Stephen, Managing Director of Central Law Training
Ltd which he joined in 1990, will work closely with the Chief Executive to
develop the group's professional training division.


For further information:-

Charles Brady, Chief Executive:                       0121 362 7702

Basil Brookes, Finance Director:                      020 7566 8206




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