Update on Current Trading

Northamber PLC 11 June 2001 Northamber plc - Statement on Current Trading - Shareholders will be aware from announcements by many of the major desktop PC manufacturers that the industry has seen a marked downturn in demand for PC's. Whilst we experienced significantly improved sales during the first three months of 2001, that growth declined in April, and May has proven disappointing. When pre-viewing the prospects for June, the last month of our financial year, we are unable, when taken in conjunction with a marked decrease in prices for current models, to have any confidence that June sales will enable the shortfall to be regained. This is despite good results from some of our newer lines. Sales are therefore likely to be some £20m below market expectations of £320m. Our core margins are ahead of last year, but as shareholders will be aware, a significant contribution to our pre-tax profits is derived from additional rebates on pre-agreed sales performance. A number of major manufacturers plan product changes over the summer and against this background we may not therefore achieve all the rebates we would normally expect. In contrast to the decline in sales revenue, our margins have improved and the group continues to trade profitably. I will expand on the future in my statement when the final results are announced in September, but the recent opening of our new warehouse complex at Byfleet is expected to result in operational savings next year. Our core financial strengths have also further improved since our last report to shareholders and cash generation remains good. 11 June 2001 Enquiries: David Phillips Chariman Northamber plc 020 8296 7000 Robert Corden Charles Stanley & Company Limited 020 7739 8200

Companies

Northamber (NAR)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings