Hi Mark
I use an Intek MT 5050 which is 446 Mhz and licence free. These can be easily modded for 5 w output rather than the standard .5w

,with an antenna adapter. This is then connected via a fly lead to the antenna via a bulkhead fitting. The only thing of course is fitting and external antenna and going to 5w makes the radio illegal

I also use for other use a licenced radio on 449 MHz and this is a baofeng GT3. Cracking little radio runs 5w and easy external antenna fix but this needs a licence, which is £75 for 5 years.
The bottom line is that what do your mates have you want to converse with. If they are on 446 PMR like the Kenwoods then you can use the MT 5050. If you have a Kenwood now then google antenna mod as I think this has been done for external as this would be the cheapest option.

Does this all make sense. If you need more info I will supply and emil or home phone number.
Adrian