I believe sunnyhill is doing a CPL(H), but it's a good point - unless large aircraft are on your horizon, the CPL(H) is good enough for most people, especially as it will be eventually morphing into the ATPL(H) VFR anyway. In fact, you have three years within which to get your IR, even though the exams themselves last for 7 years. Go figure.
The other thing to remember is that you also need multi-crew and a type rating on an aircraft that requires 2 pilots. Realistically, you won't get that outside a company.
phil