I primarily use a system from Ardex called "Tricom". I don't think it's availible in the UK.
Here'e a
link to a PDF about it. It's in swedish, but you can still look at the pictures.
Essentially, it's a water and vapor proof membrane which you apply with either a ready mixed wpc (for absorbant substrates), or a two component wpc (for non-absorbant substrates, or when you're in a hurry). Fairly fast to apply, and it's tileable after two to six hours, depending on which WPC was used.
The two component WPC can be used without the membrane in situations where there is rising damp, ie old cellars, as well.