Trading Statement

Shanks Group PLC
15 February 2001

15 February 2001

Company Announcement

Shanks Group plc - Trading Statement

Despite difficult UK trading during the last 4 months Shanks Group plc
expects, barring any unforeseen circumstances, to announce a 20% increase in
profit before taxation, exceptional items and goodwill amortisation to £45m in
the year ending 31 March 2001. On the same basis earnings per share will rise
from 11.5 pence per share to 12.7 pence per share.

The general market in Northern England, Scotland and hazardous waste has been
more difficult than expected. These conditions have been exacerbated by poor
weather, high fuel prices and increased regulatory costs.

No immediate improvement is foreseen for the start of the coming financial
year and, additionally, the Group will lose the benefit from April of a London
waste by rail contract (c.£2.5m revenue).

The Group however remains confident in its strategy of exploiting longer term
regulatory trends, particularly the Landfill Directive, which will provide
enhanced prospects. In this context the Group remains pleased with its
acquisitions in the Netherlands in 2000.

For further information contact:

Michael Averill, Group Chief Executive, Tel [phone]

David Downes, Group Finance Director

John Shaughnessy, Group Head of External Relations