Fegan
Welcome to Pprune! I hope you will continue to find it helpful and informative as you progress in this industry.
However, you started this thread before you went for your skills test and I'm delighted that you have passed. You will no doubt find there are many threads here about how hard it is to obtain funding at present; please use the Search function for a quiet evening and you will be overwhelmed by the confusion that exists!
You will also have noticed how this thread is being 'hijacked' by posters bringing it to a modular / integrated discussion that rapidly flat-spins into derisory comments. It often reminds me of the old saying
'Statement, counter-statement, personal abuse, physical violence'
To prevent that inevitable progression I am closing the thread!
Good luck! PM if you want.
HWB