Starter kits can be good depending on what you get in them, but it can be good to choose your own scents aswell.
I started out making cold process so bought all I needed individually as they wont sell pure caustic soda in a starter kit in most places because of how harmful it cna be if not handled correctly.
poundland can be good for equiptment I use silicone loaf/cake pans, silicone cupcake pans as they are heat proof,