[StillTryingForTheTop]

From a budget point of view, I have ~£500 to spend (excluding ropes and QD's as already have this covered)

I used to do a lot of track days, but since climbing I haven't done a single one, prefering to spend nice weekends out on the rock.  As a result I recently sold the seats and harnesses in order to pay for this gear.

Cheaper items such as slings etc I will add to my Birthday and Christmas list.

Id stick with one set and spend your $$ on a couple of friends/cams. But if you have the $$ then I'd get a set of each. Rocks/Walnuts sit differently in different cracks (as previously discussed).
Or get a set of nuts and some 0, 00 and 000 walnuts (as there are no small rocks below a 1)...

[tomtom]

I'd suggest getting the basics - rocks (or Walnuts for Paul ), 3 friends,  some hexes on rope/tape.. and see how you go. That should leave you with plenty of cash left over, and when you find you need some more of something then buy it. Racks often take years of trial and error to build up - and everyone is different and will prefer placing/using different gear etc.. so when you've figured out what you use most and could need more of etc..

[Paul B]

Also a decent independant shop such as V12, Cragx or Needlesports would likely be very keen to offer advice. I also found I got a decent discount doing so when I recently updated my trad rack.

[StillTryingForTheTop]

Thanks both (And everyone else)

[Muenchener]

Some good articles on SIlvia Fitzpatrick's coaching website, e.g. here, tucked away at the bottom of the course descriptions. See also lovable madman Andy Kirkpatrick's articles on gear, starting with this one.

[iain]

In case you're interested field and trek have 20% off this weekend, which means dragon cams for £32 each 
My rack is about to be complete

[StillTryingForTheTop]

Damn, I wish I hadn't read that last post now, I purchased a load of stuff last night 

[iain]

You were going to have to spend money at some point 

Besides, you'll have a week to decide if you've made a mistake ...