Tappety top end

had a similar tappet noise after I swapped an engine, changed to fully synthetic oil and it stopped. might be worth a go before changing the head

Yeah might look into the oil as well

Technician used 15/30 oil so not sure which way to go. I've always used 20/40 and it is the same head

worth a go but thinking back mine was tappety all the time from cold, and it was a 16v engine.

This is what a VW garage would use…….
AVS Car Parts
 

Assuming its a solid tappet head the first thing that needs checking are the gaps! If its hydraulic lifter then check the oil pressure of the new bottom end.