Thank you all very much for the replies.
I hope I didn't appear flippant by dismissing the state of the helicopter industry - I appreciate that things are a bit down the pan at the moment.
I am lucky to have a relatively well-paid job in a different branch of aviation. Realistically I wouldn't be looking at commercial training for another 5-10 years or so; my question was mostly out of curiosity with regards to how the costs have increased.
In the end it might be better just sticking with the PPL/flying for fun route... We'll see!
Thanks again all.