Appointment

Henderson Smaller Cos Inv Tst PLC
3 April 2001

3 April 2001

             THE HENDERSON SMALLER COMPANIES INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

                              Board Appointment

The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc announces the appointment
of Mrs Sally Davis as a non-executive director of the Company, with effect
from 2 April 2001.

Sally Davis has 20 years of experience in the communications industry. Her
current role is President of BT Ignite Products and Marketing, responsible for
BT's business broadband, IP and applications portfolio across Europe. During
her career, Sally has worked with established companies and start-ups and has
extensive knowledge of the business environment and insight into the
challenges facing companies of all sizes.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman, Peter Cadbury, said, 'We are
delighted Sally Davis has agreed to join our board. She brings hands on
experience of three new business areas, telephony, cable and media
communication, which will be of immense value to a trust like Henderson
Smaller Companies'



                                    -ENDS-

For further information please contact:

John Alexander

The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc

Telephone: [phone]

or

Vicki Staveacre

Henderson Press Office

Telephone: [phone]