Unfortunately to do an instrument rating you must do a full course as you don't have 400 hours PIC. Reference:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=56466
This would mean a minimum of 15 hours of AS355 (twin) instrument time at 1000 quid an hour plus type rating plus checkride. Before this you have to do a further 35 hours in flight or simulator. I would be very surprised if it came in at under 25K!!!
Unless you intend waiting till Feb 2003 for the first available slot at Bristow Helicopters Training.
Spending this money puts you on the list for TWO UK companies. When there just aren't any openings with either. For example Bristow currently have over 100 resumes with CPL or better AND no expected vacancies for the remainder of 2002.
Must you return to the UK??? Why not try the rest of the world???
Have you not thought of getting a FAA instrument instructor licence whilst in Florida?? Then working out there (presume you are at HAI so can get a J1 visa) to build the time till over 500 or 1000 then returning to the UK to instruct and waiting for the North Sea 'call'!!!
Pound for pound, I don't think it is a very good 'bet' at the moment.
But you have to be 'in to win' and with the UK instrument you would be that!!!
Good luck with your decision!!!