@Cecile Oooh, that multi-clix sounds like the kind of shiny upgrade that would be cool. However, I realised that I actually have a 3 year warranty that is still in date for my meter, so just called up and the very helpful lady on the other end has got some control solution, batteries and a replacement pricker in the post in less than five minutes! 
Didn’t even get stuck on hold! Still a little in shock as to how painless that was! 
Customer service win, for once…