for UK freight I use Parcel 2 Go they are the cheapest courier cheaper than the Post Office and your stuff arrives in 5 days

Another freight option is Parcel Broker - www.parcelbroker.co.uk/smcka
They are pretty good with rates - about $80 for 6Kg dead weight.
I use them for all my freight, even from my main suppliers as they stick you with freight.
Basically you ask them to give you the weight and dimensions, you book it, pay for it and then email the con note to your supplier to stick on the box.
Simple, easy and cheap. Book it in on Thursday UK time and you'll have it normally by Monday as it travels over the weekend. It is actually DHL and you can track it live on DHL site.
 
 

I think the gearbox seals would be pretty usefull. Or even all the parts for a gearbox rebuild, ie bearing, seals etc. Most people say to just buy a secondhand box that isnt leaking but thats still not a good option

Flighter
I have got responces from them - all but brief.

Flighter

Anybody here ever send an email to Burton's and actually receive an answer?  I've written them several times over the past 6 months or so about orders I want to place (e.g. can they machine part X before shipping etc.), but have never once heard back.  As a result I still haven't placed that order, so calling them is my next course of action I guess.  I just find it odd that it is so hard to interest them in taking my money, especially when the UK economy isn't the best at the moment.  

Dad has had the same problem with some warranty issues on parts that he got that didnt fit &/or work properly. he has got the run around on more than one occasion.

Most recently I wrote about the wrong parts they sent me as a result of what I think to be a mistake in their catalogue.  I did this thinking they'd want to check whether I was right about the catalog, and hence take action to prevent future customers having similar problems.  As was only about $15, I didn't even ask for a refund or replacement as such, although I did suggest a credit against my next order would be nice seeing I have much more to buy.  I also reminded them that I hadn't heard back regarding my earlier purchase enquiries.  The result?  No response to the 2 identical emails sent a week apart.  I guess they either have a really lousy email service, or they are happy with the level of business they currently have.  One day I might remember at the right time of day to call them about it, but I think in future I'll look at other suppliers too instead of just going straight to Burton.

Flighter  or they are happy with the level of business they currently have.

Just having a guess.. based on nothing.. but the UK is in a ****ty state at the moment.. This means much much fewer people in the UK splashing cash on cars. So they have probably had to downsize slightly to match and are looking after their regular (big $$) customers.  This unfortunately means less people to answer our emails about small (<100) orders.
It would be interesting to know what response someone like SMCKA gets??
 
Andrew

It's not just Burtons either.  I sent off enquiries recently to 3 Irish companies, but only got one reply even though I was looking at potentially spending over €1,000.

Andrew
It would be interesting to know what response someone like SMCKA gets??

Andrew

I do get good service, but then I have been over to the UK and met all the suppliers I deal with. Some suppliers still treat me the same as any other person [i.e. ignore the enquiry] and they no longer supply parts to me. I suppose buying a lot helps, but there's 2 that just didn't care regardless of what I spent.
Generally you are best to phone the UK. Get a $10 phone card which gives about 1,000 minutes.
Irish suppliers? Based on the experience I've had with a very well known one I avoid them totally.

I've never had an issue with Group4 or Gartrac...