so is there any particular brand/model/make of tyre to look for?
Yeah, many to choose from Continental ContiWinterContact TS830 (http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/winterreifen/2011_195_65_R15_details.aspx?testId=104&recordId=2321)
, Goodyear UltraGrip 8 (http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/winterreifen/2011_195_65_R15_details.aspx?testId=104&recordId=2322)
, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D (http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/winterreifen/2011_195_65_R15_details.aspx?testId=104&recordId=2324)
, Semperit Speed-Grip 2 (http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/winterreifen/2011_195_65_R15_details.aspx?testId=104&recordId=2323)
, Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol Serie 3 (http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/reifen/winterreifen/2011_195_65_R15_details.aspx?testId=104&recordId=2326)
In my country(Lithuania) it's compulsory to have winter tyres from November 1st until March 31st. The amount of snow we have would put UK to a standstill :rollin