Directorate Change

Cropper(James) PLC
01 April 2004

Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Birmingham
Date: Thursday, 1 April 2004

                                                               Embargoed: 7.30am


                               James Cropper PLC
                     Appointment of Non-Executive Director


The Board of James Cropper PLC announce the appointment of David Wilks as a
Non-Executive Director, with effect from today (1 April 2004).

Mr Wilks, LIB (Hons) aged 49, is Director of Wilks & Partners, the management
consultancy he founded in 2001. Prior to this, he built up extensive
manufacturing operations experience with H.J. Heinz and as a management
consultant establishing the Northern office of Cambridge based ER Consultants.

The Company also announces the intention of John Southwell to step down as
Non-Executive Director following the conclusion of the 2004 Annual General
Meeting in July, having being a member of the Board since 1972.

Commenting on these Board changes, Alun Lewis, Chief Executive, James Cropper
PLC said:

'We are delighted to welcome David to our team. His wealth of experience,
particularly gained in the manufacturing sector will be invaluable to the Group.
I expect his advice and counsel will prove to be highly beneficial to the
Board.'

'John's retirement means he will be greatly missed at James Cropper, given his
long standing involvement with the Group. However, with the appointment of David
Wilks, we have secured a high calibre Non-Executive Director to follow in John's
footsteps.'



Enquiries:
Alun Lewis, Chief Executive
John Denman, Group Finance Director              Alan Cooke
James Cropper PLC                                Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: [phone]                                Tel: [phone]
                                                 Mobile: [phone]




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