Why do an IMC in the UK?
Why would anyone do an IMC rating in the UK? It costs about 2 grand to do (+ approach fees, landing fees etc), only 15 hours instrument time (for the 2K), only valid in the UK, and you still can't fly 'proper' IFR? .... sounds like it gives you enough knowledge to get into trouble, but not enough to get out of it again!
For nearly the same cost you can do a full FAA IR, get more hours instrument time (40 hrs instrument training), allowed to fly IFR in US and in an N reg plane, have a ICAO recognized IR which is probably 'exchangeable' in many other ICAO countries.... EXCEPT JAR....and the nice people at the CAA give you an IMC rating for free !....oh yea, you can also do as many approaches and landings you want, for free...
The only 'down side' I can see is that you need a couple of weeks off work, and need to pay for a return flight and accommodation in the US, and have 50hrs X/C (over 50nm) before you take the skill test. You can even sit the ground exams here in the UK before you go.... 3-day course.