I graduated this year with a 1st in biochemistry with molecular biology and have been working since leaving uni. I really want to do a PhD, but left it late applying! I have been emailing supervisors of projects i am interested in, but havent had any luck yet. I want to start ASAP but am starting to wonder if i'll have to wait until next October??

Most projects start around October. There will be some available for immediate start, that have not yet been filled. A number of studentships in MRC research institutes start in January. Keep looking. In the mean time try and get some work in a lab. It will help you decide if it's for you and will make a big difference when you start a PhD for real.