This hasn't been posted for some time, but nonetheless remains extant:

[ ] In the UK, no repeat no licence of any kind is necessary to
specify, design, construct, modify, repair, own, or (under some
circumstances) test an Amateur transmitter.

[ ] A pass in a current examination for a UK Amateur Licence qualifies
the successful candidate for the issue of a UK Licence. Holders of the
appropriate levels of licence are permitted to operate transmitting
equipment that is not subject to a formal approvals procedure, and to
carry out technical investigations. A qualification for a Licence, or
the Licence itself, is not, repeat not, a qualification to specify,
design, construct, modify, repair, or own transmitting equipment. 
See above.

-- 

from
Aero Spike