Hi Stuart
A really good option is to come to South Africa and do your PPL here as it is alot cheaper and the weather is better. Once you have completed this, you have to do 100 P1(in otherwords pilot in Command) which you can also do here. I would also suggest while you are doing your hourbuilding, start your ATP therory through Bristol distance learning. Once you have the hours you can return to the Uk to do your JAA CPL and Multi Ir. The bonus about doing it here in SA, besides the thousands your saving, is that the training is excellent here as long as you choose the right school. I am at Superior Pilot Services here in Grand Central (Johannesburg) and they are excellent and very reasonable. The owner used to be incharge of a JAA school so he is very familar with the JAA system and all are instructors are the best. Hope this helps and if you want any more info msg me.
Ciao Bl