Watts,Blake,Bearne - Re Directorate

RNS No 6886a
WATTS BLAKE BEARNE & COMPANY PLC
14th January 1998


Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC ("WBB")

Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC announces the following changes to the
responsibilities and membership of its Board of Directors:

John Pike has decided, for personal reasons, to retire from executive duties
with effect from the end of January.  He will become a non-executive Director
of Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC and he will continue to hold the position of
Deputy Chairman.

Tim Robertson has also chosen to retire from WBB, effective 30 June 1998.  He
has been succeeded as President of United Clays, WBB's North American
Division, by Tom Deems, previously Senior Vice-President.

Eckart Groll, having reached the age of 65, will retire at the end of January.
He will be succeeded as Geschaftsfuhrer of WBB's German Division by Gerhard
Hillebrand, who joined the business in July 1997.

Michael Beckett, the Chairman of the Company, said today "All three directors
who are retiring from executive positions have made significant contributions
to the Group and leave with our best wishes for the future".

For further information please contact:

Dr Graham Lawson (Chief Executive)
Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC
Park House, Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot TQ12 4PS
Telephone : [phone]     Facsimile : 01626 332342

Additional information about the WBB Group and its products may be obtained
from:

Mr Steve Carreck (Publicity Manager)
Watts Blake Bearne & Co PLC
Park House, Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot TQ12 4PS
Telephone : [phone]     Facsimile : 01626 332344
or via the Group's web site : www.wbb.co.uk


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