Appointment

Costain Group PLC
7 June 2001



                              COSTAIN GROUP PLC


             Appointments of new Chairman and new Chief Executive


The Board of Costain Group PLC ('Costain') is pleased to announce that David
Jefferies, CBE FREng, has been appointed to the Board of Costain Group PLC as
non-executive Chairman, with effect from 6 June 2001.


Mr Jefferies is currently a board member on the Strategic Rail Authority and
Chairman of both 24/Seven Utility Services Limited and Smartlogik Limited. He
was Chairman of National Grid Group Plc from 1989 - 1999 and of Viridian Group
Plc from 1992 - 1999.


The Board has also agreed to appoint Stuart Doughty BSc CEng FICE as Chief
Executive, with effect from the 1 July 2001. Mr Doughty was an executive
director of Hyder Plc from 1995-1997 and was a non-executive director of Dew
Pitchmastic Plc from 1999-2001. Mr Doughty remains non-executive Chairman of
Alstec Group Limited (formerly Alstom Automation Limited).


It was announced on 6 April 2001 that John Armitt had decided to resign from
his post as Chief Executive, in order to develop other interests. Accordingly,
Mr Armitt will resign as Chief Executive and as an executive director of
Costain, with effect from 30 June 2001.


In respect of Messrs. Jefferies and Doughty, there are no details to report in
respect of paragraph 6 F 2(b) to (g) of the UK Listing Authority Listing
Rules.


                                                                   7 June 2001

ENQUIRIES:

Costain Group PLC                                            Tel: [phone]
Graham Read

College Hill                                                 Tel: [phone]
Gareth David                                       [e-mail]