I reckon the difference in abundance is this: hot chisels are of course only any good for the hot iron trades. Cold chisels though are useful for mechanics, stonemasons, builders... heck, you can even find them in B&Q.
You might want to see if anyone will ship to the UK, and whether it's worth it if you buy several pairs. GS Tongs for instance will ship to the UK for US$39, or just over GB£20. Considering the rest of his prices I reckon you could get well set up with the basics for what Vaughans would charge for a hot set and three pair of tongs.
If you want to keep it British try Bruce Willcock -- prices are reasonable and I have heard good things. In fact I think that he is a member on this board.
(No special connection to either of these examples.)
Of course, you could also see if any smiths or smithing guilds near you have anything spare for sale. I'm sure they would be glad to give a beginning smith a good rate.
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