Trading Statement

Artisan (UK) PLC
07 April 2005


                                Artisan (UK) plc

                   Trading Statement - Year to 31 March 2005

In keeping with current market practice this trading statement is issued
following the end of the Group's financial year. The preliminary announcement of
the Group's results for the year to 31 March 2005 will be announced in July
2005.

Following a busy and successful conclusion to the financial year, Artisan (UK)
plc is confident that the results for the year to 31 March 2005 will be
substantially ahead of the current markets expectations of pre-tax operating
profits (before the cost of goodwill and exceptional items) of circa £1.7million
and reflect a significant growth in profits over the previous year.

During the 12 months to 31 March 2005, performance of the residential market has
been mixed with the second half of 2004 being particularly difficult with house
buyers nervous of future house prices. However January 2005 started with a
renewed vigour as buyers returned to the market culminating in a significant
number of sales achieved shortly before the year end. After the positive start
to 2005, the market in which Rippon operates has slowed and Rippon is contending
with aggressive discounting and incentive packages from the larger residential
developers keen to maintain volume operating in the area.

The commercial market by contrast has been building in strength all year
culminating in a very positive finish for the year. In particular we have
achieved a sale of the stock Vantage Park units to an institutional investor at
the very end of the financial year. This pleasing success in disposing of much
of the available stock has consequently reduced available stock for the start of
the coming year. The steady sales of developed buildings over our sites
throughout the year and profitable sales of land plots for other developers and
occupiers to develop their own buildings has resulted in both a return to
substantial profit for the division and a significant reduction in capital
employed in commercial development.

The Board's comments as regards profits do not allow for the eventual outcome of
the appeal court hearing, heard in February with judgment reserved. This
concerned the action by Infiniteland and Mr Aviss against Artisan concerning the
disposal of Bickerton Construction Ltd. It is very much hoped we will shortly be
able to report a conclusion to this matter.

The threatened legal action by the Liquidator of Bickerton Construction has not
progressed since we last reported in December. As stated, provision has been
made for the continuing costs of defending these actions but having regard to
financial reporting standards, no provision has been made for any other
liability that Artisan may incur as a result of the liquidator's threatened
action.

The search for a second housebuilding company has not resulted in the purchase
of a suitable candidate as yet. Your board is determined that an acquisition
from the few companies that become available will only be at terms that
advantage Artisan shareholders. In the meantime we have increased our programme
and funding allocation to further develop Rippon Homes' activities and in
particular extend the depth of the land bank.

Although the year to March 2005 has generated particularly strong returns, the
short to medium term outlook for the housing market still contains mixed
messages. Whilst the strength of the current year end in commercial activity may
have drawn activity from 2006, the Board sees no reason why the outlook for 2006
should not be viewed with confidence, providing positive market conditions
remain consistent through the forthcoming year.

Artisan (UK) plc:     01480 436 666
                      [e-mail]
                      Company website: www.artisan-plc.co.uk

Chris Musselle, Financial Director         
Martyn Freeman, Chief Executive             


Seymour Peirce, Nominated advisers   
Sarah Wharry         020 7107 8000


Bankside Consultants, Financial PR advisers   
Simon Rothschild      020 7444 4153/07703 167065






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