Its become impossible to compete with chinese businesses selling from UK warehoues. Registered in Hong Kong they do not pay VAT but they should as the products are posted from the UK.
Its about time ebay UK did something to support UK sellers in the marketplace.
As for VAT number, I'm still displaying the VAT no. of my old partnership as another poster mentioned, it is impossible to change it. I've contacted ebay 10 times but to no resolution.