Pre-close trading update

Begbies Traynor Group PLC 14 November 2006 RNS Release 14 November 2006 Begbies Traynor Group plc Pre-Close Trading Update Begbies Traynor Group plc ('BTG' or 'the Group') (AIM: BEG) announces that its interim results for the six months to 31 October 2006 will be released on 16 January 2007 and provides a pre-closing update on current trading. The Board confidently expects that the Group will report activity and profits for the period that reflect the growth of the Group since the annual report for the year to April 2006 and firmly underpin market expectations for the year to April 2007. In addition to the acquisitions in May and June 2006, already the subject of specific announcements and which have now been fully integrated, we have made significant strides in augmenting our core services through the hire of senior individuals and teams across all of our professional service streams. We have welcomed substantial corporate finance teams in London and Manchester, bringing our fee earning strength to 23 over 3 major city locations. We have added a Manchester based team and a specialist risk management team in London to our expanding investigation services division and, in our traditional core business of insolvency, we have successfully concluded the lateral hire of 3 licensed key individuals and the fee earner support staff they require. We remain in discussion with a number of further potential candidates. Total group headcount is now 346 fee earners and 100 in support/administration. Having paused our programme of acquisitions over the summer, to facilitate the smooth integration of those already completed, the Board has opened discussions with a number of businesses in insolvency and other professional services activities. Whilst none of these potential acquisitions can yet be announced, we are confident that several will reach positive conclusions over the coming months. Overall, our markets have shown encouraging signs of demand growth, although the only dramatic growth area has been in the provision of consumer debt solutions. That market is currently the subject of considerable speculation prompted by comments from the lending community. This activity accounts for only around 5% of the Group at present and the Board has resolved not to aggressively expand in this area, until we have concluded our discussions with lenders as to how they wish this insolvency service to be conducted. In the medium term, however, the Board remains convinced that a profitable market in this area will persist and expects to build the Group's position within it, based on our existing close working relationships with the major lending institutions. Since its formal launch announced only a month ago, BGN, our network of international associations, has proved pleasingly successful, with a steady stream of applicants for membership and the creation of significant cross border referrals. The Board is very pleased with the progress made by the Group over the first half of its current accounting year and looks forward with great confidence. Enquiries, please contact: Ric Traynor Mike Sawbridge Executive Chairman Nominated advisor Begbies Traynor Group plc Shore Capital & Corporate Limited 0161 839 0900 0151 600 3722 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange TEAXFDFFNKFFE