I did it the other way round - when you apply for your IR to be issued as long as you REQUEST it you will receive an IMC for Free - yes FREE from the CAA! What is the point? Well once your SP MEIR becomes a multi crew IR (hopefully you get a job) then you cant fly single pilot IR anymore - get an IMC which lasts 25 months will cover you though for pleasure flying and is much cheaper to renew than the multi IR for single crew.