Thanks Glenn. I'll keep my eyes open for the MM paints, but the main thing is trying to get Iris, at my local shop, to stock an alternative to Humbrol, so that i have a convenient, local supply. She has those and Tamiya, and is willing to stock others - if there isn't a catch by having to buy huge amounts in one go, and take the massive display rack some wholesalers insist on. She's limited for room, but might bin Humbrol if she gets the right deal. I've told her about White Ensign, which have excellent reviews (sounds like what Humbrol used to be!), and she's looking into it.
There are alternatives by mail order, but that's not the best way to get paints, especially when you need just one tin, in a hurry !