AGM Statement

Allen PLC
23 August 2001


FOR RELEASE                    12.05 PM                      23 AUGUST 2001



                             Allen Plc ('Allen')
                    (Hire Services and Utility Services)


CURRENT YEAR STARTS WELL

*        Speedy Hire

        o       Significant increase in sales

        o       Like for like turnover up 11%

        o       12 new depots

        o       Now operating from 214 outlets

        o       Continuing to gain market share

*        Ryan

        o       Satisfactory start to the new financial year

        o       Turnover well ahead of last year

        o       Contractual issue with major customer resolved

        o       Sale process progressing to schedule

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting at Haydock today, David Wallis, the
Chairman, made the following comments on current trading:

'The new financial year has started well, with sales at Speedy Hire during the
first quarter seeing a significant increase over the same period last year.
Like for like growth in turnover was 11%.  When added to the considerable
increases of the last two years, we regard this as very satisfactory.  We
continue to gain market share, as these increases are in excess of market
growth.

We have had a busy start to the year with 12 new depot openings, with the
result that Speedy now operates from 214 outlets.  Currently there is no
shortage of potential new sites which we continue to review and evaluate
against our demanding investment criteria.

Ryan, our utilities contractor has traded satisfactorily since the start of
the new financial year, with turnover well ahead of the same period last year.
The contractual issues with one of our major customers have now been
resolved.  As we have previously stated Ryan is not a core activity in the
longer term.  We therefore have begun a sale process which is progressing to
schedule, although I re-iterate that Ryan will only be sold provided the Board
considers that appropriate value can be realised.

Our balance sheet has strengthened, with the receipt of £2.5 million cash from
the sale of surplus properties and £5.5 million cash that is deferred
consideration from the sale of the Housebuilding division a year ago.  A
further £5 million remains to be paid to us one year from now.

We are mindful of the uncertainties in the wider economy and ever vigilant on
any potential impact on the markets that we serve.  That said, our customers
in the Construction and Housebuilding sectors are very busy and thus far the
government's infrastructure plans remain intact.  This augurs well and
provided there is no significant change in this position, we remain confident
of meeting expectations.'


For further information:


John Brown (Chief Executive)                                    01942 720000
Neil O'Brien (Group Finance Director)                           01942 720000

Brian Coleman-Smith / Philip Hewitt-Brown / Bruce Croxford      020 7786 9600
Binns & Co Public Relations