Director Shareholding

W.H. Ireland Group PLC
31 October 2003


                    W.H. Ireland Group plc ('W.H. Ireland')
                      Increase in directors' shareholdings

As set out in the circular to shareholders dated 19 September 2003 and as
referred to in the announcement of interim results released on 5 August 2003,
W.H. Ireland has recently offered a scrip dividend alternative to shareholders
(the 'Scrip Alternative'). 50,413 new ordinary shares of 5p each were issued on
31 October 2003 in satisfaction of elections by shareholders pursuant to the
Scrip Alternative. Certain of the Directors of W.H. Ireland have elected to
receive shares pursuant to the Scrip Alternative, which has had the following
effect on their shareholdings:

                                          No. of                      Percentage of
                                         ordinary                    enlarged issued
                                          shares    Total resultant  ordinary share
                                         acquired    shareholding        capital
                             Existing
                              Holding
         Director


Wilfrid Laurie Beevers        2,191,550      24,135       2,215,685             14.69

David William Youngman        2,255,160          56       2,255,216             14.95

Derek Francis Ashford           177,880       1,853         179,733              1.19

John Edward Lawrence            572,683       6,306         578,989              3.84


Dealings are expected to commence in the new ordinary shares on 3 November 2003.

Enquiries:
Derek Ashford, Finance Director
0161 832 6644


                      This information is provided by RNS
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