I'm not sure who is local in Nottingham for testing shave equipment.
I did buy some stones from Gary Haywood last year. He's a nice chap and someone you should probably meet up with. I believe his honing system is Coticules, As I now have his Naniwa super stones :D
I would ask him If he can do you a few honing and stropping lessons, He runs a barbers shop so it's something that should be possible if it's on a quiet day.