Trading Statement

Marshalls PLC
08 July 2004

8 July 2004

MARSHALLS PLC

TRADING STATEMENT - SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2004

Marshalls' sales in the six months to 30 June 2004 were £190 million which was 3
per cent ahead of the comparable period last year.

Landscape Products increased sales by 3 per cent, Clay Products was ahead by 10
per cent and Natural Stone was at a similar level to the strong first
half in 2003.

LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS DIVISION

The Landscape Products Division, which represents over 80 per cent of Group
revenues, had sales of £158 million being 3 per cent ahead of last year. Sales
increased for driveways and patios as well as for work on commercial and public
sector projects.

Outdoor working conditions in the early Spring were less favourable than in the
prior year and this resulted in an increase in the installers average order
books of 1.3 weeks to 11.9 weeks for domestic projects.

Commercial and public sector demand was robust with the exception of those
products particularly focused on transport infrastructure.

CLAY PRODUCTS DIVISION

The Clay Products Division increased sales by 10 per cent to £17 million in the
first half. Volumes were similar to the first half of 2003. Sales values
benefited from an improvement in product mix, and with industry stocks at
historically low levels there has been some strengthening in price levels.

The re-structuring of the Division is largely complete and the benefits of the
reduced cost base of the business are clearly showing through.

NATURAL STONE DIVISION

Sales in the Natural Stone Division were similar to the comparable period at £15
million. This compares with a strong sales performance in the first half of
2003, which benefited from a large project in Trafalgar Square.

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. There
are fewer large projects under consideration at the present time compared with
last year, however, the overall volume of enquiries remains acceptable.

GROUP DEVELOPMENT

In the first half of the year the Group has expanded its Street Furniture
business (included in the Landscape Products Division) through the acquisition
of The Great British Bollard Company Ltd and Woodhouse Group Ltd. These two
businesses, which have combined annual sales of £10 million, significantly
increase the portfolio of products that the Group is able to offer to the
commercial and public sector markets.

The reorganisation of Marshalls plc by way of a scheme of arrangement under
section 425 of the Companies Act 1985 between the Company and its shareholders
involving the creation of a new holding company is expected to become effective
today.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S COMMENT

Graham Holden, Chief Executive said ' Sales for the first half are ahead by 3
per cent. Interest in driveway and patio products continues to be strong and
installer order books have increased to 11.9 weeks. Commercial and public sector
demand remains robust. At this stage of the year our market intelligence
suggests that activity will continue at a similar level for the remainder of the
year'.

The Interim results of the Group will be announced on Friday 3 September 2004.

Enquiries:

Graham Holden   Chief Executive     Marshalls plc             01484 438900
Ian Burrell     Finance Director    Marshalls plc             01484 438900
Jon Coles                           Brunswick Group LLP       0207 404 5959
Sarah Tovey                         Brunswick Group LLP       0207 404 5959









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