Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions - I've learned quite a bit from this thread!

Try adding some glycerine to the soap B/4 you work it with your brush.
I added some glycerine to my bowl before lathering, and it has seemed to help the lather thicken up a little, I'll add a bit more next time and work out a sweet spot for this soap over time. It also held a little more water than without glycerine, so I may try out some other humectants as well.

more than likely an incorrect angle
I have been taking my time with these early shaves, and concentrating on keeping roughly a two spine widths angle for WTG/XTG and a slightly lower, say 1.5 spine widths angle for ATG. Because of the design of my razor (it is the same concept as a shavette, but really not the same!) I'm starting to think that the spine is thinner than an equivalent straight, so I'm going to try using a bit more angle - thanks for the advice.

Go to Bath and Body works and pick up a tube of CO Biglow
Wish it was that easy, but it could be quite a long trip from this side of the pond I will keep my eyes open for alternatives to the Wilkinson's as well though, even if just for experiences sake - it's all I know at the moment.

i would also suggest that you look into your skin stretching technique. not to confuse, but this is just another characteristic that can cause skipping.
I did make more of a conscious effort to stretch last shave, and I would definitely say it helped - thanks

You may also be using too little pressure... before anyone jumps me, I mean too soft a grip.
This is also a valid comment for me, as I notice that when trying to shave with my non-dominant hand that I don't grip as tightly, and I do get more skip. Although I tend to shave one handed, as my non dominant hand is all but useless, the logic follows!

Thanks again gentlemen, much appreciated
P