If you’re not au fait with the developments in the courier industry, you’re missing out on some excellent savings on your postage. Many will flock to the Post-Office on their lunch breaks to be met with large queues and high shipping costs. The good news is, there are far better options out there, especially for important or difficult parcels. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL money and time saving tips for sending parcels.
PICK THE RIGHT WEIGHT CATEGORY
Since many postal services like Royal Mail will charge by weight, if you’re looking to cut costs, it can be tempting to try and save money by putting your parcel in a cheaper weight class than it actually is. However, if your parcel is found to be over the limit, you could come up against extra charges, or your delivery could be delayed – it’s just not worth the risk. Always weigh your parcel properly, complete with any packaging.
GET YOUR PACKING RIGHT
Make sure your parcel gets from A to B in perfect condition at precisely the right time by ensuring you’ve packed it right and all the labelling is clear.
Pick a container of appropriate size – under filled boxes may collapse, especially if there’s not enough padding or cushioning to keep the contents in place.
Make sure your box and your items are firmly secured with strong and durable tape, double layered boxes and use flexible plastic liners or box coverings.
Consider the climate of where you’re sending the parcel to. Is it snowing or does it rain frequently? Then waterproof packaging is a must.
DON’T ALWAYS RELY ON THE POST OFFICE
Contrary to popular belief, charges from the Post Office will often be higher than couriers as their operations cost more. Plus, the post isn’t always reliable and can’t guarantee a specific time or date that your package will arrive. Whereas, couriers can tell you exactly what day and time (down to the hour in some cases) it will get there.
If you’ve got something very large, heavy, temperature or time sensitive, or simply something that requires customer service that goes above and beyond what traditional post, then a courier may be the way forward for you. They can even offer handling specialists, CO2 offset services, import and export expertise, and liability cover. However, when you send something via any courier service is absolutely essential you use a reliable one. Always read online reviews to find the best courier company for you.
IN A HURRY? USE A COURIER
Couriers offer far more flexibility in terms of pricing, time frames, international delivery, and options for specialised delivery. Many couriers make use of freight pooling, which is a method used by express shipping companies to share space, splitting the costs, making it cheaper for all parties. When considering interstate freight cost, in particular, pooling is a great way to share the financial burden.
If you’re in a hurry to get your parcel to its destination, couriers have the upper hand as they have expertise in international logistics, plus their fees take into account customs paperwork which can hold processes up if not done correctly by the individual sender. You can even get door-to-door same day and next day delivery.
REMEMBER TO PROVIDE CONTACT DETAILS
Don’t want your package to get lost or delayed? Remember to provide your contact details as well the receivers. Either a phone or email address will be fine. If you’re sending your parcel abroad some countries won’t even attempt to deliver it without a phone number for the recipient. So don’t forget the contact details.
Remember these tips whenever you have a parcel to send and you can be sure it’ll reach its destination without a hitch.
Based on the classic Persian dish, Javaher Polow, this fruity rice is truly fit for a king and really shows off the amazing grain length of Amira Superior Aromatic rice. It makes a great side dish for a spicy stew or a succulent roast chicken. The buttery golden crust that develops on the bottom of the pan – traditionally called the tahdig – is a truly delicious treat.
What You Need
300 g Amira Superior Aromatic rice
Generous pinch of saffron threads
150 g Dried cranberries
1 Large Onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
60 g Unsalted Butter
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp Cardamon pods
1 cumin seeds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve:
100 g Walnuts, roughly chopped
Seeds picked from 1 large pomegranate or 110g pack ready prepared pomegranate seeds
Generous bunch of parsley, chopped
Finely grated zest from 1 orange
1 Garlic clove, very finely chopped
Simply mix all of the ingredients together, and enjoy!
Amira’s Superior Aromatic and Pure Basmati products offer the highest quality rice available to consumers and can be found in Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Tesco.
A easy, tasty and fresh dip! Serve this minted beetroot & feta dip with Manomasa, an exciting and versatile brand of premium tortillas with spirit
Offering a range of tortilla chips, “born in the backstreets of Mexico,” Manomasa pays tribute to the original tortilla chip – the totopo – using traditional Mexican techniques to create authentic tortillas,combined with exciting and original global flavours and ingredients.
If you have a food processor or stick blender this vibrant coloured dip can be blitzed together in minutes. Beetroot is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, energy boosting natural sugars and body building protein, no wonder it is regarded as a super food.
Minted Beetroot & Feta Dip
Preparation: 15 minutes – Serves 4
Ingredients:
250 g (9oz) pack cooked beetroot in natural juices
11/2 teaspoons harissa spice paste
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
110g (4oz) feta cheese, drained, crumbled
3 stems fresh mint, leaves torn from stems
4 tablespoons 0% fat Greek yogurt
1/2 pomegranate, seeds removed
160 g pack of Manomasa White Cheddar Tortilla Chips
Method:
Drain the beetroot juices into a processor or stick blender cup. Roughly chop the beetroot then blitz with the harissa, vinegar and a little salt and pepper until a coarse puree.
Reserve one quarter of the feta and a few tiny mint leaves for garnish, strip the remaining leaves from the stems and add to the beetroot with the yogurt. Blend again until smooth.
Spoon the dip into a bowl, garnish with the remaining feta, reserved mint leaves and pomegranate seeds. Serve with the tortilla chips for dunking.
Cook’s Tip
Not a fan of mint or feta then flavour the dip with a little horseradish cream and chopped chives
The use of Manomasa’s adventurous flavours including Chipotle and Lime, White Cheddar & the brand new Tomatillo Salsa are ideal for making quick and easy canapés, and are destined to show off the host’s culinary skills this summer. Manomasa is available from Ocado (RRP: £1.99 per 160g pack) www.manomasa.co.uk
We have become extremely dependant on our cars. And, whilst cars do have many benefits, there are many negative side-effects when we over-use them. Using cars for every small trip can affect our health, the environment and the amount of money we spend on travel each year. Over the years, many experts have looked at ways to reduce this dependence on cars. In many cases, the best solutions are often the simplest solutions when it comes to travel. Below are some of the most effective alternative travel methods that will save you money and improve your health.
WALKING
We’re not taking you for fools by saying this, walking is obviously the most basic way to get from one location to another. However, the widespread use of cars has reduced the amount of time we spend walking. In many cases, we use our cars for short journeys instead of walking. Over a long period of time this can add up to a lot of wasted fuel and excess money being spent. Getting into the habit of walking to local stores and other nearby places will reduce these unnecessary costs and keep you healthy as well. Encouraging family members to walk more will reduce the overall costs your family have to pay each year.
KICK SCOOTERS
Bring back your inner kid. These foot driven scooters are extremely popular with all age groups. They’re an effective way to travel, but they’re also an enjoyable way to go from one location to another. A wide range of these products are available from online stores like Skates.co.uk. The most popular models include stunt scooters, dirt scooters, foldable scooters, scissor scooters and carving scooters.
CYCLING
Cycling; it’s the perfect way to travel to destinations that may be too far away to walk to. If you live close to work, hopping on your bike each morning and evening can greatly reduce your daily travel costs to work.
Sure the initial cost of a good quality bike is a bit of a blow, however it will save you money in the long run. Your work may even have a cycle to work scheme where employers can pay for your bicycle and you can pay it back through a salary sacrifice arrangement of up to 12 months. Cycling is also a fantastic way to keep fit.
ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
If you’re looking for a more powerful type of scooter, electric scooters could be the perfect solution for your travel needs. These scooters are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and models. There is less effort involved when you’re using this type of scooter and it’s an enjoyable way to travel.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The electric car is getting more mainstream. It’s moved in from leftfield and is now driving in the middle of the road. With the UK government announcing plans to ban all petrol and diesel transport by 2040, hopefully saving the planet in the process, the electric vehicle (EV) is ready to take centre stage in an eco-friendly revolution over the next few years.
Electric vehicles aren’t only good for the planet, they’re good for your pocket too. According to the Guardian, an overnight charge of an EV that has a battery that can cover a 100-mile range will only cost £3–4, compared to travelling the same distance in a regular car that needs £18–19 of fuel.
Navigating spring’s sartorial landscape in Britain requires versatility. The season’s changeable nature means creating a workwear collection that balances practicality with style. Here are 7 inspired spring fashion concepts to maintain your professional polish whatever the weather brings.
The Renaissance Of Floral Expression
This season, immerse yourself in botanical splendour. This timeless pattern infuses even the most understated garments with visual interest.
For 2025, the trend favours magnified florals—a departure from previous seasons’ smaller prints. Think bold blossoms in unexpected colour combinations that command attention while remaining workplace-appropriate. A midi dress with watercolour florals beneath a tailored blazer strikes an excellent balance between professionalism and playfulness.
For those preferring subtlety, consider botanical accents through accessories—a silk scarf with painted blooms, a statement bag, or floral-embellished footwear can elevate your ensemble while maintaining restraint.
Styling Tip: During cooler days, layer a fine-knit turtleneck beneath your floral dress or blouse for warmth without obscuring the pattern, creating a sophisticated silhouette perfect for professional environments.
The Artful Cinch
Belts have evolved beyond their practical origins. In skilled hands, they become statement pieces perfectly suited for professional settings.
This spring, enhance your blazers by cinching them at the waist, creating structure and defining your silhouette. This approach works particularly well with oversized blazers, transforming them from boxy to beautifully tailored instantly.
Consider how belts might elevate simple dresses, elongate cardigans, or add visual interest to high-waisted trousers. The 2025 belt aesthetic features richly textured leather, intricately woven designs, and sculptural metal buckles that adorn your waist like jewellery.
Styling Tip: Curate three essential belts—a slender leather version in neutral tones for everyday elegance, a wider statement piece with an interesting buckle for minimalist ensembles, and a softer fabric tie-belt for a more relaxed approach to waist definition.
The Wide-Legged Revolution
Embrace wide-legged trousers to enrich your professional aesthetic this spring. This tailored, classical trend presents a sophisticated profile perfect for asserting individualised style within workplace parameters.
For 2025, wide-legged trousers appear in diverse fabrics—from crisp linen blends (with sufficient synthetic content to resist excessive creasing) to lightweight wool and fluid silk-infused options.
The secret to successful styling lies in proportion. Balance voluminous lower elements with more streamlined upper components—a fitted blouse, form-following knit, or structured jacket.
Embrace brightness or pristine white, but don’t overlook subtle pinstripes, delicate checks, or jacquard patterns that introduce texture while maintaining office decorum.
Italian brand Fracomina offers particularly elegant interpretations of this trend—their spring collection features beautifully tailored wide-leg options in breathable fabrics. For pieces that transition seamlessly from office to evening, go to the website to explore their versatile range.
Styling Tip: Precise hem length is crucial with wide-legged trousers. They should either kiss the floor (maintaining approximately 1cm clearance) when paired with heels or rest just above the ankle for a contemporary interpretation. Professional tailoring to your specific height remains essential.
This non-colour excels at reflecting light—ensuring coolness, style, and comfort simultaneously. Furthermore, white’s remarkable versatility allows harmonious pairing with virtually any hue in your collection.
For 2025, textured whites command attention—think broderie anglaise, subtle ribbing, precision laser-cut details, and intriguing weaves that bring dimensional depth to the immaculate palette. A white cotton shirt featuring architectural elements like an unconventional collar or cuff will instantly elevate your professional presence.
If head-to-toe white seems impractical, consider white for regions less vulnerable to spills—perhaps a white blazer or pleated midi skirt paired with a coloured top.
Styling Tip: Various white tones layer beautifully together. Combine pure white with ivory, cream, and the palest beige for a richly textured ensemble that feels fresh without severity.
Refined Knitwear
Welcome your beloved knits into your capsule wardrobe this transitional season. These pieces transform effortlessly into spring staples when paired with lighter elements elsewhere in your ensemble. Consider a fine-gauge jumper with flowing culottes and elegant loafers, or explore knitted skirts, short-sleeved tops, or even complete dresses paired with classic ankle boots.
Spring 2025 witnesses knitwear’s evolution through open-weave details, subtle metallic threads illuminating otherwise conservative designs, and strategic shoulder cut-outs providing ventilation during warmer moments.
When selecting knitted dresses, remember to define your waist with a carefully chosen belt, creating structure appropriate for professional environments. Prioritise natural fibres—cotton, linen, and silk blends—that offer breathability while maintaining their shape.
Styling Tip: Master the half-tuck when pairing knitwear with trousers or skirts—secure just the front portion of your jumper to create waist definition while preserving the comfort of a relaxed silhouette.
There’s An Art To Layering
In Britain’s changeable spring climate, layering provides an elegant solution.
For the creatively inclined dresser, layering foundational wardrobe elements opens a realm of possibilities. The sophistication lies in seamlessly blending textures, proportions, and tonal variations.
Spring 2025 sees layering refined to an art form. Envision lightweight gilets beneath blazers, diaphanous blouses over camisoles, sleeveless knitted vests atop crisp shirts, and utilitarian shirt jackets (the elevated ‘shacket’) serving as outer layers bridging formality and functionality.
Intelligent layering transcends simply accumulating garments—it requires creating harmonious ensembles with pieces that complement one another while permitting effortless removal as needed.
Styling Tip: Ensure your foundation layer remains relatively fitted and composed of smooth fabric to prevent friction. A silk or silk-blend camisole or fine cotton t-shirt creates the perfect canvas for more textured or structured pieces above.
The Grounded Approach
For footwear that bridges seasons, consider flats as your solution—ideal for spring, allowing feet to breathe comfortably while remaining protected.
The remarkable diversity—dolly shoes, espadrilles, ballet flats, loafers, mules, and beyond—renders flats perfect companions for unpredictable seasons. They provide support while maintaining lightness, well-suited for professional environments.
Spring 2025 witnesses the ballet flat’s renaissance, now enhanced with intriguing details—ankle ties, squared toes, and quilted finishes. The contemporary loafer remains a workwear essential, reimagined with substantive soles ensuring comfort on rain-slicked pavements. Closed-toe mules offer perfect transitional options—business at the front with hints of summer in their slip-on styling.
Prioritise flats with supportive insoles for all-day comfort. Many contemporary brands now incorporate athletic cushioning technology into design-focused flats, offering an ideal fusion of form and function.
Styling Tip: Keep leather protector spray within your desk drawer to revitalise flats after unexpected showers. A quick application can preserve lighter-coloured footwear from water damage while extending their lifespan.
Rental services have evolved into mainstream options for office attire, allowing wardrobe refreshment with statement pieces without fast fashion’s environmental impact. Consider subscribing to a workwear rental service for significant meetings or presentations.
Styling Tip: Construct a capsule professional wardrobe comprising high-quality, sustainable essentials in neutral tones, then utilise rental services for trend-focused or seasonal items unlikely to maintain relevance beyond this spring.
The Bottom Line
Spring’s professional wardrobe needn’t present complications. With these seven key concepts—from botanical expressions to practical flats—you can curate a collection that adapts beautifully, projects sophistication, and aligns perfectly with the British spring.
Remember that adaptability remains paramount; pieces that layer effortlessly, transition between formality levels, and combine in multiple configurations will serve you faithfully during this season of change. Now, step forth and flourish in your vernal professional attire.
It is not a secret that eco-friendly materials have become increasingly important in today’s retail market, both to brands and to consumers.
Incredibly, the global sustainable plastic packaging market is predicted to grow by almost $30 billion between now and 2025, partly due to new laws and regulations, but also because consumer demand is shifting to more eco-friendly concerns. Brands keen to keep ahead are responding accordingly.
So, let’s explore this growing trend, for reasons both altruistic and expedient; here are are the benefits of sustainable packaging to your business.
Reduce Necessity For Recycling & Your Company’s Carbon Footprint
You can significantly reduce your business’ carbon footprint by using sustainable packaging instead of single use plastic and other options that may not respond favourably to recycling.
In fact, implementing effective recycling systems is essential to ensure your business keeps its environmental impact to a minimum. Single-use plastics, in particular, are a major environmental issue, contributing to overflowing landfill and polluting our rivers and oceans. Effective recycling of plastic waste helps to reduce this problem.
Reduce Shipping Fees
The evolution of sustainable packaging in the fast food and fashion industries – whether that’s custom rigid boxes or collapsible takeaway tubs – has been particularly promising. Interestingly, these industries’ reasons for switching to eco-friendly packaging isn’t only about image; it may actually save on costs, too.
Sure, they might be working towards a zero-waste strategy, but the savings made on reduced shipping fees also makes sustainable packaging a sensible choice.
Since the cost of food and fashion has increased in most countries, it is expedient for these companies to minimise the cost of other production units as much as possible. In a fascinating case study discussed in Industry Week Magazine, it was reported that a ‘’a global leader in computer hardware and accessories was able to realize a savings of more than $500,000 in packaging and eliminated 99,183 pounds of packaging on 4.3 million products shipped.’’
This is an excellent example of why being more nimble as a company in changing to sustainable packaging can have tangible benefits for your business.
Appeal To Target Audience
The modern day consumer cares deeply about the environment, and one of the most material ways this can be realised (and exploited) by a company is through sustainable packaging which is clear and obvious in its green credentials.
Packaging Strategies report that ‘’75% of international consumers would pay more for sustainable packaging.’’ To promote brand loyalty and increase profit margin, this one really is a no brainer.
Showcase Your Values & Corporate Social Responsibility
A brand’s reputation and image is more important than ever in the era of social media. To ensure that your company wears its values and corporate social responsibility on its sleeve for all to see, it’s essential that your brand has tangible evidence of its green credentials.
Sustainable packaging is one such way to demonstrate this, and in doing so, you’ll improve customer loyalty in a market increasingly keen to prioritise eco-conscious companies.
Usher In New Technologies In The Sustainability Sector
Companies can use advances in sustainable packaging to usher in greater awareness and use of such packaging, in doing so, showing themselves to be market leaders and influencers.
Sustainability plays a long-term role for everyone, serving the next generation, which has got to be a good thing, right?
