thanks for your replies.
both good advice. I am wondering reaaly, if I would be limiting myself initially in the job market by not doing the ATPL (H) GS, and then hoping that with a frozen ATPL I can secure a job, and then do an IR (possibly through whichever company I work for). On the other hand, as I understand it, if I do not do IR in the 3 yrs I will have to do the exams again anayway. Is there much work out there with a CPL (H), both in the UK and more probably in the rest of Europe, most likely on twin engine types?