Change of Name

Allen PLC
4 September 2001






FOR RELEASE                       7.00 AM                      4 SEPTEMBER 2001

                                 Allen Plc

                   (Hire Services and Utility Services)

                    Change of name to Speedy Hire Plc

                          ('Speedy' or 'Group')


                         DEALINGS COMMENCE TODAY


At the Annual General Meeting held on 23 August 2001, shareholders approved
the change of the name of the company to Speedy Hire Plc from Allen Plc.
Dealings under the new name commence today (Tuesday, 4 September 2001).



David Wallis, the Chairman, commenting on the change of name said:



'The change of name to Speedy Hire Plc emphasises our strategy of focusing
solely on our hire services activities where we see tremendous opportunities
for growth.



Speedy currently has 214 outlets across the UK, 12 of which have been opened
in the current year.  The three main sectors of the market covered are tool
hire, cabins and survey equipment but the Group also has a growing presence in
the power, lifting, engineering safety and interiors markets all which offer
considerable potential.



As reported at the Annual General Meeting, Speedy has had a good start to the
year with like-for-like sales in the first quarter 11% ahead of the similar
period last year and I remain confident Speedy is well-placed to continue its
growth.'





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