@chrisaldrich

I managed to pick up a few ribbons on spools cheap from someone selling up. I even got some nice original 1960's metal spools! Every new one I've bought, regardless of price has clearly come from the same factory - same packaging and printing. I don't think there's a bulk ribbon supplier in the UK now.

Excellent price you got. Spools here typically come with 10 metres of ribbon, a little under 11 yards, so your equivalent spool price is nearer $1.07, I think!