AGM and IMS

Cropper(James) PLC
01 August 2007


Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2007

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                               James Cropper PLC
                   Annual General Meeting and Trading Update

At today's Annual General Meeting (1 August 2007), the following statement was
issued to shareholders:

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, J A CROPPER

'I am pleased to report that Technical Fibre Products ('TFP') and James Cropper
Speciality Papers ('Speciality Papers') traded strongly in the opening quarter
with turnover significantly higher than in the same period last year. Overall
Group turnover in the first quarter was £17.9 million, 11% up on the previous
year'.

'Sales of TFP composite materials containing metal-coated carbon fibres have
grown strongly in recent years, particularly into the US electronic and
aerospace industries. These fibres are supplied by Diamond Fiber Composites Inc.
and Electro Fiber Technologies LLC ('EFT'), the latter being the joint-venture
company in which TFP had a 50% share. At the end of June 2007 TFP purchased the
business assets of Diamond Fiber Composites Inc. and acquired complete control
of EFT. The combined purchase consideration was approximately £0.5 million.
These acquisitions provide TFP with control of quality, product development and
security of supply. TFP will thus be able to service the technically demanding
applications that contain these fibres with greater confidence at the increased
levels of turnover expected in future years. However, it is anticipated that
EFT's losses will continue at a level similar to last year in the medium term.
TFP's operating profit for the full year is likely to be in-line with the
previous year'.

'The impact of reduced energy costs on Speciality Papers compared with recent
years is most welcome. However a further significant fall in the price of gas
over the coming year is not anticipated, whilst pulp is expected to continue on
an upward trend over the financial year as a consequence of tight supply.
Although the € was relatively stable against £Sterling during the quarter, the
US$ fell significantly against both currencies. This affected the relative
prices of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft ('NBSK') pulp, the market benchmark
priced in US$s and hardwoods priced in €. NBSK opened the financial year at
US$760 per tonne and has increased progressively in price to US$800 per tonne by
the end of July 2007. Sales performance by Speciality Papers in the first
quarter was very satisfying. This built on the growth pattern developed during
the previous financial year, with a marked improvement in export sales'.

'James Cropper Converting is trading in-line with last year'.

'Although The Paper Mill Shop continued to be loss-making in the first quarter,
sales are showing encouraging signs of recovery and the Board remains confident
that profitability will be restored over the next three years'.

'There has been no significant change in borrowings over the opening quarter'.

'In conclusion, I am pleased to say that the Board's confidence in the Group's
ability to grow and prosper has strengthened over the past year as a result of
its improved performance.'

This Interim Management Statement has been issued in accordance with DTR 4.3 of
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Listing Authority in respect of
the period from 1 April 2007 and has been approved by the Board of Directors of
James Cropper PLC.

Enquiries:
Alun Lewis, Chief Executive
John Denman, Group Finance Director      Fiona Tooley, Director                        Ifor Williams, Director
                                         Keith Gabriel, Senior Account Manager

James Cropper PLC                        Citigate Dewe Rogerson                        Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited
Telephone: [phone]                  Telephone: [phone]                      Telephone: [phone]
www.cropper.com                          Mobile: [phone] (FT)                     Mobile: [phone]




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