Just an update, have purchased a Hayter. Apart from the recommendations here went to a local mower dealer who also advised they were pretty good. Nearly £200 though! It had better be good.
Just tried to cut the grass and my Electric Flymo (3400 compact) has gone up in blue smoke. Only 4 years old. That's as long as any electric mower seems to last me. So all you NSC gardeners out there any recommendations on a new electric mower that will last a bit longer than 4 years?