I first bought from Bintel about 1980 (Celestron silver top plossls if I recall correctly). In my experience and judging from everything I have heard you can have total confidence in them; advice, support and quality. Mick is a
legend. He's been around since the year dot and is a keen amateur himself.
IMHO start out with a simple, and relatively inexpensive, dobs and begin with visual observing. Learn the sky and learn your way around astronomy. Don't forget the astro accessories: red light torch, star charts & planisphere, observing chair (worth every cent) lens pen etc.
Your nearest astronomical society is
MAS and that would be the best way to find astronomers in your area. I been to a few of their evens and they're a great lot.
Welcome to astronomy.