Trading Statement

RM PLC
16 September 2003

16th September 2003


Pre-close update for the year ending 30th September 2003: profits ahead of
expectations


As part of its normal investor relations activities RM plc, the leading supplier
of information and communications technology (ICT) and other services to UK
education, is issuing an update on current trading prior to the end of its
financial year on 30th September 2003.  The Group will comment on future
prospects at its Preliminary Results, which are due to be announced in November
2003.


RM's business is seasonal with a large proportion of orders and shipments
occurring towards the end of the financial year.  However, performance in the
second half so far is supportive of profits for the year being ahead of current
market expectations.


The Group commented at the time of its Interim Results announcement in May that
performance in the first half had been ahead of management's plan, but that it
would be difficult to predict the impact of the widely reported uncertainty over
this year's school budget settlement on second half performance.  Trading in the
second half has been in line with plan, allowing the first half over performance
to be retained for the year as a whole.


Group revenue for the year is expected to be approximately 5% up on FY2002.  The
four strategic projects won during the first half will contribute revenue, but
little profit, in the second half.  As planned, LSP (Learning Schools Programme)
reached completion during the year.


Tim Pearson, RM's CEO, commented:


'Our schools ICT business has performed well against a challenging market
background.  Whilst average selling prices for hardware have declined along with
the rest of the industry, for RM overall we expect to see greater than market
growth for the year as a whole.'


'I am pleased with the progress we've made against the strategic plan I set out
when I took over as CEO.  Clearly there remains much to do to establish RM as a
leading provider of broadly based education services, but we've already made a
good start with our contracts with the QCA and in South Yorkshire.'


- Ends -


There will be a conference call for Analysts today at 10:00am.  The dial in
number is [phone].  Please quote the password RM.


For further information, please contact:

Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc                              08709 200200
Andrew Fenwick/Fiona Laffan, Brunswick                        020 7404 5959

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange