A stator (50) for an electrical machine. A core of the stator (50) is made up of a series of connected segments (42), that are rotatable relative to one another during an assembly operation. Each segment (42) includes a radially outermost base portion (44) from which a respective integral pole piece (46) projects substantially inwardly to a pole piece tip. The tip includes a surface (49) that is arcuate and concentric with an axis of rotation of the machine. Each pole piece (46) projects in a non-radial direction and such that a semi-closed slot (48) arranged to locate part of a least one coil (30) therein is provided between each pair of juxtaposed pole pieces (46). A coil (30) is fittable to a respective one of the pole pieces (46) during the assembly operation without deformation of the pole piece (46).
