Quick update:

Had to bite the bullet and get a local garage to do it - cost me £340 for a complete clutch replacement (although it was just the slave that failed) - that did include recovery from where I work though.

I almost went to Mr Clutch as they wanted £318 but heard some nasty reports about how they use cheap parts and don't always do a great job - plus I'd have had to tow the car etc.

So, clutch is great now, but the small blow I had on the exhaust seems to have got worse after being moved around - another assault on my wallet seems to be looming !!