Artisan AGM Statement

Artisan (UK) PLC 5 September 2000 'PRE-TAX PROFITS FOR FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF CURRENT YEAR IN EXCESS OF THOSE FOR WHOLE OF PREVIOUS YEAR' SAYS CHAIRMAN. 'STRONG GROWTH IN ALL GROUP'S OPERATIONAL AREAS CONTINUES'. Pre tax profits in the first four months of the current year amounting to £4.8million already in excess of those for the whole of the previous year, are reported by Mr Stephen Dean, Chairman of Artisan (UK) plc, the AIM listed housebuilding, property development, contracting and property refurbishment group. Mr Dean told shareholders attending the Annual General Meeting of Artisan (UK) plc, held today, that strong growth in all areas of the Group's operational areas is continuing and that 'as planned, the very strong growth established last year has been continued into the current trading year with the Group's core activities of property developments, house building, pub refurbishment and regional contracting all continuing to make solid progress'. 'Unaudited results for the 4 months to 31 July 2000 firmly underlines the strength of the group's progress. Turnover for the period amounted to £30million with pre-tax profits of £4.8 million already substantially ahead of the profit for the whole of last year' said Mr Dean. 'With trading conditions in all its areas of operations set fair to continue, the Board is confident that the Group will maintain its current rate of progress during the remainder of the current year, and look forward to a successful outcome' said Mr Dean. Commenting on the situation regarding Artisan's interest in enterpriseAsia.com plc, Mr Dean said 'Artisan currently owns 21.8% of enterpriseAsia.com plc and has been obliged to convene an extra ordinary general meeting to endeavour to persuade the EPA Board to reconsider its investment strategy. 'Unfortunately, this has resulted in unpleasant and inaccurate public debate. Despite this, I remain confident there will be a profitable outcome for Artisan shareholders,' said Mr Dean. Enquiries Artisan (UK) plc 01480 436 666 Stephen Dean, Chairman Chris Musselle, Finance Director Seymour Pierce Limited 020 7648 8700 Sarah Wharry Boswell City Financial PR Ltd. 020-7583 2001 Glenda Boswell Mobile 07768 235 735 Rodney Johnson