Complete lack of start up.

[unfazed]

Had a look around the ignition cable and found this... (see photo) so I'm going to re connect it while the new battery arrives (any recommendations?

That would be your problem and why the fuse blew. Looks like its been pinched  due to poor routing rather than chaffing since it looks more like a cut.
With limited tools the Solder tube is probably your easiest option and permanent. Take care to route it properly when complete.

Is it the cable to the switch gear or the Ignition switch difficult to tell from the picture?