Thanks for the reply. Seems I could certainly spend the next year getting a PPL in the UK. Unfortunately, my employer won't allow me to have more than 2 weeks off at a time. Leaning towards completing the PPL and night rating here in the UK, then committing 6 months to study and complete the ATPL's before commencing ME/CPL/IR training abroad at a school like Diamond Flight Academy.
Even going down the modular route, I'd like to complete the training full time after the PPL. The only thing that worries me is getting both CAA/EASA licenses. The integrated school I was looking at was able to provide both which was a big attraction.