Thanks - from what I've found out so far, you can't be a company director (e.g. for contracting as a ltd. co.) while you're bankrupt, but you can once you're discharged. As standard, assuming you haven't been fraudulent you're discharged after 12 months, and can apply for early discharge which would shorten this.
Lots of info here:
Publications and Guidance Material Issued by The Insolvency Service
When I find out more I'll post it here.