You might want to provide some information about your associated equipment/amplification, and what general sound characteristics you're looking for, as far as depth of bass, volume, clarity of midrange, and what trade offs you'll accept.

I don't have any specific recommendations, but there should be some interesting choices in your price range, and I think you should have no trouble improving on the B&W's.

Give a listen to the PSB Image B25
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1204psb/

and Paradigm Titan Monitor
http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/reviews/review-2-4.paradigm

and the Totem Rainmaker
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1104totem/index.html

As for British speakers, I have not heard too many unkind words for the Epos line.

I'm pretty happy with my Epos M12.2's, but they are probably outside your price range. First pair of "British" speakers I've owned, although they're actually made in China.

I was impressed with a loaner pair of Epos ELS 3's. While the bass was very pleasant, it wasn't earth shaking. The midrange and highs were excellent. They are marked down to $299 these days.

It looks to me like the ELS 3's are being supplanted somewhat by the Epos ELS 8, which seems to be more capable, and lists for $495.

Epos speakers have a bit of a reputation of performing above their price.