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Actually I'm more of a guitar player who can play bass to a decent standard. Just don't tell anybody over there, ok?

Well, I’m fair blushing by your reactions, gents. BTW, no need for the capitalised Z, it’s an abbreviation of my surname, not my finding bass easy in a US speech way. (For the record, I don’t find it easy ).

EZBass has 'nailed' it; not a jot to add or subtract. Lessons would be useful, if the fellow learns that way (many don't, though...). I'd have loved to have had such gear when I started; he's a very lucky chap.

Welcome, fellow BCer. Always a tough one, especially as you want your nephew to want to pick it up in order to play it and improve. Yamaha don’t make a bad instrument at any price point IMO. Therefore, they would be my go to brand for a beginner. With that budget, I’d look at the £300ish Pacificas or the Revstars (a bit retro looking, but pointy/SGish enough), they sound great and play well. With shapes in minds, an Epiphone SG in the same £300+ price bracket could also be considered. However, if it was my money, it would be Yamaha all day long (says the man who owns a Squier and an Epiphone ). In terms of an amp and FX, I think I’d start off with a modelling amp with built in FX, something like the Boss Katana, Vox Cambridge or Line6 Spider. 50 watts or so should be plenty for starters and a headphone out is a must (all 3 do). I’ve seen some very favourable reviews of the Boss, so I think your sister would be safe with that. If they don’t come with a footswitch, I’d always encourage getting one to get the full use of the amp. Guitar and amp for £500-£600 with maybe some room for a few accessories.