Mattioli Woods plc

("Mattioli Woods" or "the Group")

Trading Update and Notice of Final Results

Mattioli Woods plc (AIM: MTW.L), the specialist pensions consultancy, today issues the following trading update in advance of its Final Results for the financial year ended 31 May 2010, which are to be announced on Tuesday, 31 August 2010. 

Bob Woods, Executive Chairman, comments:

"I am pleased to report the Group has performed well over the last six months and that trading for the year ended 31 May 2010 is in line with the board's expectations.  

"Whilst revenues in the first half were affected by challenging investment conditions, we have seen a continuation of the trends I highlighted in our Interim Results statement issued on 26 January 2010, with clients increasingly willing to invest away from the safe haven of cash.  As anticipated, this has since driven growth in our investment-related revenues and enhanced margins. 

"The self-invested personal pension ("SIPP") market continues to expand.  There are now estimated to be 650,000 schemes in the UK, with some commentators predicting the one million scheme mark will be reached by 2015.  The development of our consultancy team to create capacity, coupled with new marketing initiatives, led to over 100 new SIPPs being added to our client portfolio during the last six months (2H09: 89).  A further 239 SIPPs and 51 small self-administered pension schemes ("SSAS") were added through the acquisition of the pension administration and employee benefits businesses of Cooper Parry Wealth Strategies Limited in April.  I believe there will be further consolidation within the SSAS and SIPP sector and we continue to review new acquisition opportunities. 

"The question of pension tax relief was raised in last week's Emergency Budget, with the Government stating reform in this area is a necessary part of its commitment to tackle the fiscal deficit.  However, the previously announced changes, restricting higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions for high-earners, are to be reviewed by the Treasury.  This is encouraging and we look forward to participating in the HMRC consultation on this issue.  Basic rate tax relief is still available for high-earners and our focus continues to be advising clients on their existing retirement wealth, rather than having any significant reliance on new pension contributions. 

"In addition, the Chancellor intimated he would review the rules surrounding compulsory annuity purchase.  I believe this will be positive for the ultimate ownership and inheritance of retirement wealth. 

"The outlook for the new financial year remains positive, despite the economic and regulatory challenges facing us.  We will continue investing in both our existing service offering and the development of new products to build upon our track record of profitable growth." 

Notice of Final Results

Mattioli Woods will be announcing its Final Results for the year ended 31 May 2010 on Tuesday, 31 August 2010. 

An analyst briefing given by Bob Woods, Executive Chairman and Nathan Imlach, Finance Director will be held at 09:30 hrs on 31 August 2010 at Financial Dynamics Limited, Holborn Gate, 26 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1PB.  

Those analysts wishing to attend are asked to contact Justine Cording at Financial Dynamics Limited on +44 (0) 20 7269 7265 or at justine.cording@fd.com.  

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Notes to editors

Mattioli Woods is one of the UK's leading and fastest growing providers of specialist pension consultancy and retirement wealth management.  Its core services and advice are targeted towards the higher end of the market including controlling directors, professionals, owner-managed businesses and small to medium-sized PLCs. 

The Group has focused particularly on advice on the application and administration of self-invested personal pensions ("SIPPs") and small self-administered pension schemes ("SSASs").  Mattioli Woods now advises over 3,000 pension fund clients throughout the UK with funds under trusteeship in excess of £1.7 billion.

Mattioli Woods has a focus on providing the highest level of personal advice, maintaining very close relationships with all its clients.  The strength of its personal relationships has led to high levels of client satisfaction, retention and referrals.  

Mattioli Woods provides clients with the following:

·     Pensions and investment consultancy.

·     Bespoke pension scheme administration and trusteeship, particularly for SIPP, SSAS and Group schemes. 

·     In-house investment research and broking. 

·     Property syndication. 

·     Structuring of investment products tailored to a particular client's needs. 

·     Assistance and advice with securing preferential banking arrangements for clients. 

For more information visit www.mattioli-woods.com