An update - as I now have data working again - in case it helps anyone:
Just in case this helps anyone, just letting people know that I’ve got access to data back by going to an Apple Store (after diagnostics done by Apple Support determined it would be worth doing so booked me an appointment). They said they are not aware of any issue with the latest iOS update (…I lost access data after doing it but who knows…) but confirmed I was having connectivity issues (which I knew). I had backed up on iCloud / iTunes at home and they decided to do a factory reset. Their system automatically checks and does software updates before it resets the phone and interestingly she said that despite my phone telling me and her on screen that the iOS was up to date, there was still “some” not quite updated - ie it was almost as if some of the update had not updated properly, even though it appeared to be according to the phone… I saw this myself on screen when she left me while it updated: there was still "something" to update there… so maybe for some people the update is not fully moving across (despite it telling you that it has) or whether it was some even newer version of the update from them (despite your phone telling you you have the latest update you can), I’m not quite sure. Anyway, they did the factory reset, set it up as if a brand new phone (make sure you know your Apple ID login before doing this) and I immediately had 4G again. All is now working, and for anyone worried about doing a reset just to confirm that it hasn’t been as big a hassle as I thought it might be… just a case of re-downloading apps (which you’ll find a list of in your app store) and getting photos etc back from iCloud (which they said may take 24hrs but was instant for me). I am aware you can do a factory reset at home but for me doing it with the staff in store was useful because, as I say, they seemed to get access to the "rest" of the update (that my phone didn’t tell me was missing) or perhaps an even newer version of it… and all is good now. I recommend getting an appointment at the store before you go via Apple Support - this meant I was seen for a convenient slot an hour after I spoke to Apple Support vs people walking in and asking for help were being asked to wait until the following day at midday. Sorry this was such a long description - I’m aware too long for most people - but giving just in case there’s a small aspect of something I mention here that helps someone else.