Please can we have a clear and defined answer as to how to set up an
association in the UK.

What do you mean by "Association" - what is the general purpose
intended for this Association?

It would be a for profit assoication that offers benefits to its members. 

For example: The Dog Breeders Asssociation is set up to advise,
educate and allow networking between dog breeders within the UK.

I think you need to clarify your thinking on this. You will find lots of help at 

http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/index.shtml

Which is where you register limited companies or LLP in the UK. A for
profit company normally implies a limited company because the use of
term "Association" is restricted by companies house;

The following words imply business pre-eminence or representative or
authoritative status:
association, federation or society - if you wish to use one of these
words, your company would normally be limited by guarantee. Each
member should have one vote and the constitution should contain a
non-profit distribution clause. This provides that any profits should
be used to further the objects of the company and not be paid to the
members as dividends.

If you search companies house web site you will find more information.
You may want to consider searching on the term cooperative as well as
association. You can call companies house and get very good advice
over the phone and they will guide you through the process. Once you
know what to do you can use various other companies to set up the
company/association for you. Check out Jordans.co.uk who specialise in
setting up companies off the shelf. You get a comprehensive company in
a box for about £200.

Hope this helps