Hi Neil, thanks for the post.
I think you’re doing the right thing going to Peter Smythe, they seem to get great reviews from guys on here and elsewhere, I am intending to go to their open day on the 6th October.
There’s only a couple of things I am concerned about it opoortunities for new drivers on passing, as virtually every job I see require at least 6 months experience often more. The other thing is the honesty from guys on here who seem really unhappy with things in the industry, but I am guessing you would find that in any profession. I remember when I joined the Police in 1990 I spoke to two officers on one of the these roadshow things, both said ‘the job’s [zb]ed’ but I still joined…turned out they were right 
Although I did stick at it for 15 years.
Anyway good luck and you will be in good hands training.