I am not sure if they are available in the UK, but you might try to hunt down some of LG's new bagless uprights. In Consumer Reports testing, the LG Kompressor LuV350p actually performed better on carpets than any of the Dysons. Here is CR's summary of the vac's test results:
"Superb carpet cleaning makes this Kompressor model one of the best bagless uprights for carpets. You also get excellent bare-floor cleaning, along with a brush on/off switch (to safeguard bare floors and prevent scattered debris). And sure to its name, a revolving blade compresses what's in the bin for added capacity and easier emptying--though emptying a bagless vac's bin can be a dusty, messy chore. And airflow for tools was only mediocre. Among upright brands, LG has consistently been among the top performers over the past several years.
High Points
• Excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets
• Performs well when cleaning bare floors, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hardwood floors
• Does well at picking up pet hair, useful if you have a cat or dog
• Excels at capturing all the dust it picks up, important if you have allergies or other respiratory illnesses
• Has a brush on/off switch, which safeguards bare floors and prevents scattering of dust and debris
Low Points
• Requires manually emptying the bin, which can be messy and sometimes presents problems for those with allergies or other respiratory issues
• Lacks a manual pile-height adjustment, which is better than automatic systems at matching the brush to the surface
• Lacks suction control, which helps protect drapes when using tools
• Maneuvering with swivel head feels heavy on the wrist "
