I obviously spoke too soon !
After previously giving supporting comments on this thread, MyHermes have let me down.
The problem was the delivery of a small table to the LONDON AREA. Instead of taking 2-3 days as expected, the item took 9 days. Initially Hermes said the package was ‘too large for the couriers car’ - this despite it being within their size/weight criteria.
I won’t bore readers with all the details, however Hermes grudgingly conceded that they do sub-contract deliveries within some London areas as ‘Condition 5.2 - we may transport by any means’ .
Lessons to be learned - if you are sending an item to the London area via My Hermes (who it must be said are usually by far the cheapest) advise the customer that it may take some time, alternatively they can pay extra for next day delivery ( no delivery in 24 hours, no charge)
I will certainly be more discerning about using My Hermes in future, if in fact there is to be a future with this courier.