AGM Statement

Latham(James) PLC
17 August 2006



James Latham plc


Stock Exchange Announcement and Statement to the 2006 AGM


The Directors intend to issue the following statement to shareholders attending
today's AGM:

For the first four months of the current financial year namely April to July
2006, like for like sales are slightly ahead of the same period last year.
Management figures also indicate that margins have shown a small, but useful,
improvement.

Although it is too early in the financial year to be certain of the final
outcome, trading is currently on target to meet market expectations.  This
year's figures will exclude the contribution from Nevill Long Ltd which was sold
on 31 March 2006.

James Latham plc's interim results to the end of September will be announced at
the end of November.

With the Company's strong financial base, it is the Board's policy to develop
the core timber distribution business. The intention is to develop existing
depots and the product range and to expand geographically as opportunities
become available.


R J Latham
Chairman
17 August 2006



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