Press releases 2001

10 April 2001

BUILDING THE FUTURE AND CELEBRATING THE PAST:
THE EXCHANGE'S 200th ANNIVERSARY YEAR IS LAUNCHED

The London Stock Exchange today began its year-long 200th anniversary programme of events to support The Trident Trust charity with the launch of Coffee House to Cyber Market - 200 Years of the London Stock Exchange by Elizabeth Hennessy.

The Exchange has chosen The Trident Trust as its charity partner due to its work empowering the young to make the most of the future. Trident is a charity that helps 14 to 18 year old students to develop work and personal skills and encourages community involvement.

Further events, each with a charitable dimension, are planned for the coming months. Among them will be a charity dinner in the summer and a Chairman's reception in the autumn. In addition, there will be a staff charity challenge, in which the different Exchange departments will use their initiative to raise money for The Trident Trust.

The book reflects the colourful history of the London Stock Exchange, covering the period from its earliest origins to the present day. Whether it is the railway mania of the 1840s or the stock market slump in the 1930s, Hennessy has covered both boom and bust. The story also covers the various Exchange building projects and more recently the development of technology to increase its competitive position.

Commenting on the launch, Don Cruickshank, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, said: "This work comes at a milestone in our history, which puts our current situation into perspective as well as focusing our minds on the future - on our development now as a commercial organisation. More widely, it is also an appropriate moment to underline our support for The Trident Trust which does so much to provide opportunities for other peoples' futures."

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For further information, contact:

London Stock Exchange Press Office:
John Wallace, Jamin Smith, Ian Campbell    020 7797 1222

Notes to editors:

Based in the City, but active across the country, The Trident Trust is an education charity bridging the gap between school and work and developing personal skills and community involvement. Each year, it works with around 130,000 14 to 18 year old students - many with special educational needs - to improve their employment opportunities and contribute to their local communities. For more information visit www.thetridenttrust.org.uk

Coffee House to Cyber Market - 200 Years of the London Stock Exchange by Elizabeth Hennessy is available from good bookstores or Ebury Press.