Thanks for all the help everyone, I went to a few bike stores (independent stores, Evans, halfords etc) and tried out a lot of the folding bikes mentioned, I really liked the Dahon but in the end I actually went for something completely different following the advice a few of you gave about removing wheels etc.

I ended up getting a specialized vita in Evans which seemed really comfortable and the right size for me at a decent price, it does the job i need it to and it has quick release wheels so I can easily and quickly fit it into my car, tbh I hadn't even considered removing the wheels off a full size bike until it was mentioned!!

Cheers for all the help, it's taken me ages to decide on a bike to buy and I'm actually relieved the ordeal of trying to find the right one is finally over! Haha