Thank you all! Really appreciate all the friendly advice and good sense.
Tjsmiler - I agree - I am looking at starting small and just need enough to cover course, small cheap car/van and basic tools. I do agree, that this site is an absolute goldmine of info and help.
Yankee1 & dhceramics - cheers for the biz plans- I got the NatWest CD in local branch yesterday and been working through it but will check out
Enduro - yes, would be delighted. I also got confirmation from other London/Brighton company that said may have work on once ready to go etc so this is really giving me the incentive to get course done asap - WITH OR WITHOUT grant/loan. I may have to beg, borrow etc from friends and family over next few weeks - got big Irish family wedding on in August so I think I'll have to do a bit of canvassing at same!!!lol
Anyways, thanks again to all. Will keep you all posted as th how I'm getting on!
regards
Murph