Trading Statement

Vp PLC
30 September 2002


                            Vp plc Trading Statement

                              30th September 2002



Vp, the equipment rental specialist, issues the following trading update in
advance of its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2002, which
are scheduled for announcement on 21 November 2002.

We are pleased to report that Group trading for the six months has been in line
with the Board's expectations and reflects continuing progress against the
Group's key measures of return on capital employed, earnings per share and the
relative market position of each business.



Services Division

UK Forks one of the market leaders in the hiring of rough terrain forklifts in
the UK, has enjoyed further success in securing longer term commitments from
customers, particularly in the residential construction sector, where they have
agreed national and sole supply arrangements with a number of leading
housebuilders.

Groundforce has enjoyed satisfactory trading in the period, in particular making
good progress in the development of its new piling hire division, Piletec.

The Airpac offshore business has secured further contracts in the overseas oil
and gas exploration sector particularly in South East Asia. We have recently
opened a facility in Singapore to support the developing activities in that
area. The onshore market remains difficult and costs have been reduced further
in this business.

Safeforce made further progress in developing its asset management contract
business in the period. Opportunities for expansion continue to be pursued.

Hire Station

Trading within our tool hire business has remained at similar levels to prior
year although these were impacted by the downturn in activity in June
experienced by many businesses as a result of the Golden Jubilee and the World
Cup.

Hire Station opened new branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the period and also
acquired the business of Plymouth Hire Centre. The successful Lifting Point
activity was expanded with three further openings moving this specialist hire
and sale business towards national coverage.

The Hire Station One Call business launched a 'fast track' warehouse in Central
London in August, aimed at providing a high quality, quick response tool hire
service. The early indications for this business are encouraging.

Torrent Trackside

The demand for Torrent's services has continued strongly through the period and
no slow down was experienced in the traditionally quiet summer trading months.
The prospects for Torrent remain positive.

Outlook

We believe that current market conditions and trends are providing more
expansion opportunities for our businesses. We retain a strong balance sheet
which enables the businesses to exploit those opportunities that fit established
Group criteria.

The trading environment remains competitive but the prospects for the Group
remain sound. We believe we have the management capability and financial
strength to progress further in this challenging environment.


For further information, please contact:

Jeremy Pilkington - Chairman & Chief Executive Telephone [phone]

Neil Stothard - Group Finance Director Telephone [phone].


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