STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

The directors are required by UK company law to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the Group for that year.

The directors confirm that suitable accounting policies have been used and applied consistently and reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates have been made in the preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 30 May 2004. The directors also confirm that applicable accounting standards have been followed.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

By order of the board

M Sherwin
Secretary
26 July 2004

COMPANY DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS

Directors
T H F Kirby, Chairman and Chief Executive
M Sherwin, Finance Director
C J Myatt, Senior Non-executive Director
N J Donaldson, Non-executive Director
A J H Stewart, Non-executive Director

Company secretary
M Sherwin

Registered office
Willow Road
Nottingham NG7 2WS

Registered number
2670969

Financial advisers and stockbrokers
Robert W Baird Limited
Mint House
77 Mansell Street
London E1 8AF

Principal bankers
Bank of Scotland
55 Temple Row
Birmingham B2 5LS

Registered auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Four Brindleyplace
Birmingham B1 2HZ

Solicitors
Shoosmiths
Lock House
Castle Meadow Road
Nottingham NG2 1AG

Registrars
Lloyds TSB Registrars Scotland
PO Box 28506
Finance House
Orchard Brae
Edinburgh EH4 1XZ

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