Hi Wolfspider,
not sure about up in the Midlands but there are some good shops that have websites.
Hannats is really good for kits and accessories. The website address is www.hannats.co.uk
Modelzone (which is what Beatties was) normally has a good selection of kits - not sure whether they have a catalogue website kinda thing.
Comet Miniatures does a really good selection of sci-fi models, they also do military kits (as far as I know these don't get a mention on the website) - they are at www.comet-miniatures.com
Hope this helps