Ostrich,
I would suggest do not go any further, don't depart with any money. A reputable firm will not charge you anything upfront, I wholeheartedly agree with getting a few other opinions. I have used McCambridge Duffy (firm Michael above is part of) and found them to be very professional,.
There are other providers too., get lots of advice first, act in haste repent at leisure.
Glad you posted here, before hopefully it's too late and you depart with money you don't need to (or anymore of it).
Distant selling rules means you're entitled to a refund on anything you buy over phone or web. If it wasn't too long ago you can recoup any money paid using these rules.
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/ ... egulations
All I would say personally is if comms is poor from a company at the initial sales stage, it doesn't bode well for subsequent customer services.
The decision you make now could be the best or worse of the next 3-6 years of your life and very much affect them. [:)]