Chief Executive's Statement of AGM

In market conditions where volume demand has been modestly positive and pricing has been more stable, the Group has started the year well.

All of our main businesses have achieved sales and profit growth compared with the first quarter of last year.

We have also continued to expand by acquisition and three small distribution businesses have been added to our core activities during the first quarter.

As outlined in the Chairman's Statement in March, the Board continues to view the outlook for the year with confidence