First Internet Investment Made

Artisan (UK) PLC
23 December 1999


ARTISAN (UK) plc
AIM
(Commercial and Leisure Industry Contractor)

Artisan Makes First Internet Investment

Artisan (UK) has today confirmed that it is to invest £250,000 in acquiring a
15% equity stake in Partners in Property Solutions plc.

In the Interim Results Statement I outlined that the Board of the Company
continues to explore opportunities of increasing shareholder value, either by
merger or acquisition, within the Group's current business sector.

I went on to note that notwithstanding the recent upward share price movement,
the Board continued to be concerned that  along with other smaller quoted
construction companies, the investment market rating of your businesses
remains low.

Accordingly, as part of our future strategy, we have decided to evaluate other
more highly rated market sectors, which may provide better returns to
shareholders.

Noting the impact that the Internet is having upon various parts of our
business activities, we have decided to investigate that particular market and
identify interesting investment opportunities.  Since the mid-November
Interims announcement we have looked very closely at quite a number of such
opportunities.  Our policy is that, initially, we will use our own growing
profitability and resources to make such investments as we gradually build up
a portfolio of Internet and information technology investments.

Our strategy will identify investments where there is a commercial interest
that is related to Artisan's own interests in property and construction.

The first such investment is announced today.  We have acquired a 15% stake in
Partners in Property Solutions plc. at a cost of  £250,000.  This company aims
to be the leading provider to the UK residential property market of on-line
trading services.  It currently has contracts with more than 250 independent
estate agents, operating out of 300 offices, who subscribe to the PIP referral
system.   This is a network based on the sharing of information of properties
available and prospective purchasers seeking properties.  To date it has
developed  a referral network and built a support organisation to run this
network.

Estate agency software packages exist to automate the agent's office. 
Websites exist that advertise properties.  Referral and relocation systems
exist which support trade between independent agents.  PIP is now looking to
offer the technology to integrate the marketing needs of the estate agents. 
It aims to contract with an even larger number of independent estate agencies
and thereby create a nationwide network.

We consider that this company has significant potential and we are very happy
to make this out first Artisan Internet/IT Portfolio investment.  It is our
aim to rapidly expand this activity and, in so doing, greatly increase
shareholder value.  Other such opportunities are being currently negotiated
and further news can be anticipated early in the New Year.

Enquiries:

Artisan (UK) plc                                   01480 43666
Stephen Dean, Chairman                            0385 938 782

Seymour Pierce Limited                            0171 648 8700
Sarah Wharry

Boswell City Financial PR Limited                     0171 583 2001
Glenda Boswell                                   0468 235 735