Director Shareholding

Helical Bar PLC
19 February 2001

The Company was advised on 19 February 2001 that on that date, the Helical Bar
Employees' Share Ownership Plan Trust ('ESOP') purchased 220,000 (0.74%)
ordinary 5p shares in the company at 820.0p per share. The Helical Bar ESOP now
holds 1,491,939 (4.99%) ordinary 5p shares in the Company.

The company was advised today 19 February 2001 that two directors of Helical Bar
each bought 35,000 shares (equivalent to 0.12% each of the issued share capital)
in the company at 820.0p. Their new holdings in the company are noted below:

                                   Ordinary 5p Shares       Percentage
                                      Held                  of Issued
                                                            Share Capital

Mr Gerald Kaye                            308,296              1.03
Mr Michael Brown                          185,632              0.62

Contact N G McNair Scott       020 7629  0113
        Date of Notification   19 February 2001