Directorate

ASCOT PLC
12 October 1999


Contacts:     Howard Dyer, Executive Chairman
              Ascot Plc                                     0171 815 0805

              David Bick
              Holborn Public Relations                      0171 929 5599
                                               [e-mail]


                                 ASCOT Plc

Ascot Plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Edington as
non-executive director with effect from 11 October 1999.

Since 1992, Dr Edington has been an executive director of British Steel plc,
with responsibility for product and process technology, information technology
and the environment.  He has substantial experience gained through a career as
an academic, as an industry consultant and in industry (in research,
development and technology with Alcan International).  He is currently also a
non-executive director of Cobham PLC.

Dr Edington's appointment will provide further experience in relation to the
Group's operations.  In particular, his technology skills will be of benefit
to Ascot's chemicals business in its drive to develop high added value
technical products and processes.  The appointment of a third non-executive
director to replace Sydney Robin (who died earlier this year) will further
strengthen the Board.


Note to Editors

Ascot Plc is a Chemical and Specialist Engineering Group. Chemical Engineering
comprises contract manufacturing of speciality and performance chemicals and,
in Mitchell Cotts Chemicals, a range of fine chemicals and insecticides.

In Specialist Engineering there are businesses in commercial refrigeration and
air conditioning and in specialist industrial manufacturing including steel
wire, work holding components and cold extrusion products.