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Depends on what type of Hydrangea it is, how big it is and where in the UK you are.
I've taken H. macrophylla down to the lowest/second lowest buds and had it come back. This does tend to stop flowering for at least a year, more likely two, but the plant is rejuvenated. I suppose the success of this relies on the age and health of the plant... I cut it down in autumn down here in Cornwall, but if you're in a cold area of the UK I'd cut it in late spring to avoid frosts. I would imagine H. serrata would be similar in how to chop and when to chop, but is more likely to start flowering earlier. Hydrangea paniculata should be chopped to a framework of branches every February/March to get long shoots and bigger flower heads.
I'd agree generally with Ben and add that if its not in need of restorative pruning, the hydrangea should be pruned back to new buds in the spring, which leaves the old flower heads on over winter for frost protection - plus if your client is a flower arrnager they may like to use the dried flower heads