The trusty postal tube, commonly used for mailing blueprints and posters, also used for transporting artwork and designs and less commonly used for sword fights with your little brother; it’s clear that we couldn’t be without them (postal tubes that is, not little brothers) as there is no other product on the market that can replace them. Preventing your artwork, designs and blueprints from damage in the post or during transportation is essential and a postal tube will preserve your papers perfectly not only from the elements but from rips, tears and creases too.

A very common annoyance is receiving damaged posters and artwork in the mail, when you’ve traipsed the endless world of the internet for your product and have finally found what you’re looking for, the last thing you want is to receive it damaged, particularly when the item is rare or limited edition, or even one of a kind! It seems that even though there is a low cost solution to this problem, the postal tube, many companies are failing to use them when sending out the goods and it is said that more than half of all posters received by mail have dilapidated in some way.

This is very easily resolved, if companies and individuals would just think to purchase postal tubes, you could guarantee the safe transition of your product! Here at LA Office 365 have a selection that includes both 2 inch postal tubes and 3 inch postal tubes! Take a look at our 2 inch Ambassador mailing tubes featured to your right for example.

• Strong cardboard tubes
• Ideal for mailing artwork, plans, charts and calendars
• White plastic plug ends
• Boxed 25 tubes
• To take A0 size – 50 x 2 x 890mm
• Just £22.41 inc VAT

When using your new mailing tubes remember to make sure you buy the right length for the document that will be enclosed, this way you can be sure that it would move around inside. Alternatively you can use tissue paper or bubble wrap to fill the excess space in order to prevent the enclosed paperwork from moving around. The other option of course is to cut the postal tube to size. Simply roll your artwork/poster/design and slide it inside the tube, it will unravel a little to fit flush against the edges. Please remember not to use elastic bands, they will damage the artwork!

Desk mats are an increasingly popular item found among managerial personnel in the workplace. It’s become a status thing; “one with a desk should be looked up to, respected and has obvious sophistication”. They give an office, or rather a desk a little bit of “swagger” and their classiness will surely impress your clientele and customers. They are basically a way of marking success and higher status. A posh desk normally goes hand in hand which can often cost an arm-and-a-leg, and so the purchase of a desk mat in this instance becomes necessary rather than lavish. We mustn’t forget the actual purpose of the desk mat you see; to protect our beautiful surfaces from pen impressions, scratches and general wear and tear. However in my opinion, the best bit about a desk mat is the sift surface it gives you to write upon; it makes writing smooth and enjoyable!

At LA Office we have quite a large selection of different desk mats with various options including work pads, indexes, anti-glare covers, non-slip backing, calendars and even USB hubs! However today’s choice has to be the unique option. Take a look at our Durable Artwork Desk Mat featured.

This distinctive and modern trapezoid shape desk mat will not only enhance the appearances of your desk and protect it, but it will also allow you individualise it in whatever way you choose! The transparent anti-glare, hard-wearing overlay cover lifts so that you can place under it a picture of your choice. This could be a map, a calendar page, a famous copy of artwork or even a picture you child drew for you! What’s more you can be sure of a smooth writing surface and non-slip foam backing! Measuring (WxD) 680 x 510mm, the size is spot on and at just £15.70 inc VAT, it’s certainly affordable.

The icing on the cake however has to be that this mat is made by the prestigious Durable, a brand who have celebrated three awards at the 2009 BOSS Awards; Brand Awareness, Manufacturer Environment Award and Marketing Excellence. What’s more, they have been voted Supplier of the Year at the Nemo Conference and for the third time, DURABLE was awarded Langstane’s coverted Supplier of the Year Award too! If there was a flicker of doubt about our Durable desk mat, then their reputation is sure to clear up any hesitation!

The Green Bit

DURABLE products are particularly eco-friendly thanks to their durability. The plastic materials they use are robust, have excellent recycling properties and can be disposed of together with normal refuse with no problem at all.

In accordance with its guiding principles, Durable continuously aim to further optimise their ecology-oriented management. Their aim is to develop products that are largely recyclable (of course they should also be produced at low cost and yield a reasonable profit!). To meet this ideal as closely as possible, Durable continuously carry out critical analyses of the environmental impact of their products and production processes. Thus the material thicknesses of their products and above all, their packaging are constantly reviewed for possible enhancements. Through packaging modifications developed in-house, Durable have been able to achieve significant material savings and reductions in volume. Durable also demonstrate their responsibility towards the environment through their purchasing policies. Important decisions in favour of ecologically sustainable production are being made in regular project meetings between their purchasing department and suppliers. Careful selection of optimal materials is one way to protect the environment.  The right choice of suppliers is also as important to Durable. They never fail to check whether the manufacturers and their suppliers are certified, and how they are being regulated. These questions must always be answered before they decide on any purchase.