Trading Statement

Marshalls PLC
04 July 2003


MARSHALLS PLC

TRADING STATEMENT - SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2003

Marshalls' sales in the six months to 30 June 2003, were £183 million which, on
a like for like basis, was 7 per cent ahead of the comparable period last year.
The Group expects profits for the period, on the same basis, to be comfortably
ahead of the first half of 2002.

All Divisions achieved satisfactory sales growth.  Landscape Products increased
sales by 6 per cent, Clay Products was ahead by 4 per cent, Natural Stone was up
by 19 per cent, and the continuing Emerging Businesses up 13 per cent.

Taking the Group as a whole, and with increasing activity this year in the
commercial and public sector markets, we currently expect to meet our sales
targets for the second half.

LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS DIVISION

The Landscape Products Division, which represents over 75 per cent of Group
revenues, had sales of £144 million, 6 per cent ahead of last year.  The
increase was evenly spread between domestic demand and work on infrastructure
and public sector projects.

The independent installers on the Marshalls Register continue to confirm strong
order books with no reduction in the forward order position.

CLAY PRODUCTS DIVISION

The Clay Products Division increased sales by 4 per cent to £15.9 million in the
first half.  The level of activity in the new housing market underpinned
Industry demand, but repair, maintenance and improvement expenditure, both
private and public, has also been strong.

While we go through our re-structuring of the Division to reduce operating costs
there has been some impact on production, particularly in respect of product
sold through the Landscape Service Centres, but we expect to recover this during
the second half.

NATURAL STONE DIVISION

An impressive performance by the Natural Stone Division saw sales in the first
half increase by 19 per cent to £14.7 million.  This included a contribution
from the acquisition of a quarrying business made at the end of last year.
Organic growth was 10 per cent.

The Division includes our own natural stone products, imported stone and granite
products, and aggregates sold from our own quarries.  The majority of its
customers are concerned with public sector and infrastructure projects.
Enquiries remain strong.

EMERGING BUSINESSES DIVISION

The results of the Emerging Businesses Division last year included the Flooring
business which was sold in November 2002.  The sales of the continuing
businesses, on a like for like basis, increased by 13 per cent to £8.8 million.
All three businesses, Drainage, Street Furniture and Classical Flagstones, had
encouraging sales growth.

We created the Emerging Businesses Division in 1999 to put added focus on our
smaller Group businesses to help decide their future.  This strategy has proved
successful.  Our Natural Stone business has grown to the point where it is now a
Division in its own right.  In contrast we did not see the prospect of
establishing a major market presence in Flooring, and therefore sold the
business to Hanson PLC last year.

The remaining three profitable businesses within the Division have a future with
the Group, and plans exist for their development.  However, it would now be
commercially sensitive to publish their results separately, and so when we
announce the first half results the figures for the Division will be combined
with the Landscape Products Division.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENT

Christopher Burnett, Chairman said 'The first half sales growth, in a period of
low inflation, is very encouraging.  It is particularly pleasing to experience
healthy growth across all Divisions in both the domestic and public sectors of
our business.  At this stage our Market intelligence suggests that activity
levels will continue to remain positive'.

The Interim results of the Group will be announced on Friday 5 September 2003.


Enquiries:

Christopher Burnett     Chairman             Marshalls plc      01484 438900
Ian Burrell             Finance Director     Marshalls plc      01484 438900

Jon Coles                                    Brunswick Group    0207 404 5959
William Cullum                               Brunswick Group    0207 404 5959


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