A stator 20 for an axial flux machine such as a motor or generator. The stator includes a stator core 32 having a back plane 24 which in use is disposed perpendicularly about a rotational axis of the machine. A plurality of teeth 26 extend axially from the back plane so as to form winding receiving slots 28 between adjacent teeth. The stator also includes an electrical winding 30 including a plurality of coils 32, each coil being located about a tooth of the stator core and being electrically isolated from the stator tooth by means of an insulating former 34 having a shape which closely conforms to the shape of the stator tooth. The coils 32 are interconnected to form the winding 30. A method of constructing a stator is also disclosed.