NB70 & battwell thanks for the URLS ....I wasn't aware of mfg.com - looks promising (I've registered & will have a sniff about). I was aware of Alibaba, but it struck me as being a little like the wild west!

I once submitted am RFQ for some magnets to some far eastern part (IC) sourcing website - OMG ...about 50 emails, 95% wanted telegraphic transfer ....now that just strikes me as away of handing someone free money. So I guess trust is a big thing when dealing on such sites & it's heartening to see there's a rating system.

Robin, I will take a look at those 'leads' you've given me - many thanks. (how's the pick & place coming together?)