Brilliant thank you for your post.
Having read CAP 804, Section 4, Part Q, 'Acceptance of Class and Type Ratings, you are correct, it stipulates 500 hours experience. It does not mention SOtime directly but any time in the seat should surely qualify as 'experience'.
I'm going to try & book my sim at British Airways flight training then send off for my Licence. Hopefully it will get approved.
Cherrs