Director Shareholding

Next PLC
3 July 2001


Next ESOP Trust
---------------

The Next ESOP Trust has purchased the following ordinary shares of 10p each in
Next plc:

     Date of Acquisition     No of Shares     Price Per Share
     -------------------     ------------     ---------------

     2 July 2001              500,000            920p

The Next ESOP Trust was established for the benefit of employees of companies in
the Next plc Group.  The executive directors of Next plc are among the
beneficiaries of the Trust.