Appointment Release

13 November 2002

Oxford Instruments strengthens Board

Oxford Instruments is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernard Taylor to
the Board as a non-executive director.

Bernard is Vice Chairman of JP Morgan plc and brings valuable expertise of both
the city and industry as Oxford Instruments completes its restructuring and
positions itself to explore future growth options.

A graduate in chemistry, Bernard began his career at Smiths Industries before
moving to banking at Baring Brothers & Co Limited and then to Robert Fleming &
Co Limited where he was Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive. He is a Fellow of
the Royal Society of Chemistry, Chairman of ISIS Innovation Ltd and a
non-executive director of TI Automotive Ltd.

Nigel Keen, Chairman of Oxford Instruments, said:

"Bernard brings invaluable and highly relevant experience to the Board as well
as wise counsel. His appointment brings to five the number of non-executives on
the Board, ensuring that shareholders' interests are fully represented."

Enquiries:                                             
                                                       
Oxford Instruments plc                  01865 881437   
                                                       
Andrew Mackintosh                                      
                                                       
Martin Lamaison                                        
                                                       
Citigate Dewe Rogerson                  020 7638 9571  
                                                       
Chris Barrie