Trading Statement

Electrocomponents PLC
24 September 2002

                                                             Embargoed to 7.00am
                                                               24 September 2002





                             ELECTROCOMPONENTS PLC


                                 TRADING UPDATE




Ahead of forthcoming meetings with investors and analysts we are updating the
market on recent trading.



The Board anticipates that our profit before tax and goodwill amortisation for
the six months ended 30 September 2002 will be around £46m.



We last updated the market at our Annual General Meeting on 19 July 2002. Since
then sales per day have continued to be flat, excluding normal seasonal
reductions. Sales have been lower than expected in the United Kingdom and
Continental Europe due partly to our customers' extended holidays and partly to
weaker sales to customers in the manufacturing sector. Allied in the United
States has continued its modest recovery in sales per day and returned to year
on year growth. Over this period Asia and Japan have also seen more positive
trading.



Gross margin was higher than in the prior year, costs are being managed tightly
and our cash flow has remained strong.



Recently published leading indicators such as Purchasing Managers Indices
suggest continued weak markets; we do not anticipate any improvement in our
trading environment through the second half.



The Board is fully committed to the Group's well-defined strategy and believes
that it will deliver substantial benefits to shareholders.



The results for the six months to 30 September 2002 will be announced on 6
November 2002.







Contacts:


Ian Mason           Chief Executive                                01865 204000
Jeff Hewitt         Deputy Chairman / Finance Director             01865 204000




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