the controller,
It could be argued that if you cannot afford to learn and hour build in the UK and get a 44 rating, then you cannot afford to become a CPL. I know that is controversial, but there are too many people out there with big loans and no licence.
Jemax,
Great post and my story is similar, although I was pre JAR.
All other aspiring North Sea pilots:
There is a rumour going around that some self improvers in the NS have not met expectations and have struggled with IR/twin type rating/multi IR conversion/line training/night deck landings. If you want to go North Sea you must speak to the companies and find out what they want in terms of training and experience.
Good luck and go for it, but make sure you do your research first.