Thanks all for your responses some interesting comments to ponder…

To sum up from your responses/plus my research I conclude the following:
IHG=
Pros = Quick to earn points | Reasonable redemption |Lots of Bonus point opportunities | Lots of Hotels around UK |Some nice IC hotels in Spain/ Italy/ Malta that can redeem against
Cons = No Breakfast (poor show) /Limited upgrade opportunities when redeeming (i.e. No upgrades in IC hotels).

Marriot =
Pros = Better redemption/ Collection rates than Hilton, Some nice hotels (and the Ritz is still cheaper points wise than Hilton)
Cons – No breakfast at resort hotels!!!
Thoughts/comments welcome