Thanks for all your replies. I'm going to start with soap and a brush. Practice the lathering technique.
My current cartridge razor is rubbish, I'm sure they have got worse (and more expensive) I shaved the other night, did a couple of passes and it still felt like I had a couple of days stubble, plus my neck felt like I was holding it over a candle.
So I think I definitely wed to work on preparation.
Thanks again for the warm welcome.
YB
Welcome
Why don't you put your name down for the newbie box. It contains razors, soaps, blades, post shaves etc to try, with the only cost being around £6 in shipping to send to the next person after a couple of weeks. Link in my signature or as a sticky in this welcome section.