So after spending my evening wet sanding up to 3200 I had a very smooth surface front and back so got stuck into it with the cutting compound. I used Meguiars Polishing Compound and am pretty happy. There are still some visible swirls - I'm not sure if repeated goes with the compound will resolve or the waxing process might help fill/hide.
Regardless, after trying this process on another build with terrible results actually getting the beginnings of a mirror finish I'm very happy.
And I couldn't help myself and have attached the neck as I wanted to see how it was all going. I'm a week away from any further building as I have forgotten to order Baritone strings and my local guitar store doesn't stock them!