Trading Statement

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
02 June 2003


               W.H. Ireland Group plc ('WHI' or 'the Company')
                Trading statement and scrip dividend election

The board of the Company announces the following trading statement and
information in relation to the ordinary share capital of the company:

Trading Statement

Since the cessation of hostilities in Iraq, the improvement in market conditions
has seen trading in our traditional broking activities return to levels we have
not seen for more than a year, and our corporate finance income will make a
significant contribution to group turnover. We have also continued to reposition
our cost base towards more income generating areas. Taking all these factors
into account, we anticipate that our results for the half year to 31st May 2003
will show a significant improvement on those for the same period last year.

Scrip Dividend

Elections to accept the scrip dividend alternative (as set out in the circular
to shareholders dated 20 March 2003) have been received from the holders of
9,497,834 shares in aggregate, representing approximately 64.26% of the existing
issued ordinary share capital. Accordingly on 30th May 2003 249,943 new shares
were issued in satisfaction of such elections, bringing the enlarged issued
ordinary share capital to 15,031,111 shares. The cost to the Company of the
dividend made in cash amounts to £26,406 in total. Application has been made to
the London Stock Exchange for admission to trading of the 249,943 new shares.
Dealings are expected to commence on Thursday 5 June 2003.

Cancellation of the Deferred Shares

At the Annual General Meeting held on 15th April 2003 shareholders approved the
terms of a contract between the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary
Readycount Limited ('Readycount') for the purchase and cancellation of the
4,526,660 deferred shares of 5p each in the Company held by Readycount.
Accordingly, on 30th May 2003 4,526,660 deferred shares were purchased by the
Company from Readycount at par and cancelled. To ensure that there is no
diminution in the capital of the Company, the cost of the shares cancelled,
being £226,333, has been transferred to a Capital Redemption Reserve.

After completion of the above, and in accordance with the resolution passed at
the Annual General Meeting, each of the 4,526,660 authorised but unissued
deferred shares of 5p each have been converted and redesignated as one ordinary
share of 5p each, having attached thereto the rights and being subject to the
restrictions specified in the Company's articles of association.

As a result of the corporate actions outlined above, the authorised share
capital of the Company is now 34,500,000 ordinary shares of which 15,031,111 are
in issue.

Laurie Beevers, Chief Executive, commented:

'We were encouraged by the take up by shareholders of the scrip dividend
alternative, and look forward to reporting improved results for the six months
to 31 May 2003'

2 June 2003

Enquiries:

Derek Ashford, Finance Director
0161 832 2174



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