In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided an electric machine comprising a substantially circular rotor and a stator, wherein the stator comprises at least one substantially arcuate segment. Aspects of the invention also relate to a stator segment comprising at least one inter-pole shield disposed between adjacent teeth. Further aspects of the invention also relate to a stator segment having a first shield disposed at a first circumferential end thereof and/or a second shield disposed at a second circumferential end thereof. Aspects of the invention also relate to a stator segment having a radially outwardly directed protuberance.