Thanks for all the comments. It's reassuring to know that I am on the right track here - Royal Mail for smaller items, DPD for larger - based upon my own personal experience which seems to match the opinions and experiences given above. Hermes ..... nobody likes playing the 'where did you leave my parcel' game - one I have had to play several times and oh so very tedious. DPD's tracking system and text service really does put them at the top doesn't it as far as customer experience. Another decision made and a box ticked off of my very long to-do list. Have a great weekend everyone.