Thought I would ask although I have Googled so not completely lazy anyone found a bargain 18 or 19″ full sus recently? Appreciate the collective help!

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-full-suspension-for-1700

First place I’d look would be Paul’s Cycles.
2013 26″ wheeled Kona Cadabras at CRC fit your budget perfectly.

Cannondale trigger 29er
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b65s154p5424/CANNONDALE-TRIGGER-29-4-2014

Anthem 27.5
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s183p5522/GIANT-ANTHEM-27-5-3-2014
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s183p5506/GIANT-ANTHEM-27-5-2-2014

Personally I would get the anthem and upgrade the parts over time..
Or do the same with this years trance..
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p5811/GIANT-Trance-27-5-3-2015

On one codeine x9 is easily the best bike you will get for that money, pikes, bomb proof wheels and decent brakes/drivetrain. Such a capable bike

Bird Aeris?

what riding style xc? radcore gnarrduro?

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-uncle-jimbo-1-275-2015/aid:7679388?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=criteo2
£1350 and you can change any/all of the spec, can even get a uk demo

Canyon nerve AL7.9 £1374 or AL8.9 £1614+shipping
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/nerve/nerve-al-8-9.html

There’s brand new ex-display Anthem X2 27.5 for 1300 and an Anthem X1 29 for 1400 on a very popular auction site at the moment if the XC end of things is more your bag. They are actually from Planet Bike in Barnstaple, so a genuine dealer

Large anthem x2 £1295
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/19476/Giant-Anthem-27.5-2-Large-2014-White/?gclid=CI3U6p_K7MYCFY_JtAodkCIIRw

£1200 now

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s154p5424/CANNONDALE-TRIGGER-29-4-2014

Which is £400 less than I paid for one 6 months ago. 😕