So in the end after much researching and thanks to various responses to my original post, I have ended up with these:
- SDRplay RSPdx
- ICOM IC-7300 (taking foundation license exam before end of year)
Somewhat over my original intended budget, but 100% worth it in every way. Both are fantastic radios, and the steep learning curve of both keeps my brain occupied. I'm retired now, so I was brought up in the analogue age, and I don't think I would ever go back to technology even as recent as the 1990's or 2000's. In the 1980's I worked in the radio comms industry (Racal and Park Air) and the leading edge technology of those days wouldn't be good enough for most of todays amateurs.