The two words StationERY (i.e. letterheads) and StationARY (not moving) are often mistakenly mixed up, yet ironically are directly linked as the former can find its origins from the latter.

Back in Medieval times, trading was generally of the 'ambulant' variety - walking peddlers, itinerant dealers, non-permanent markets, and chapmen (roadside sellers of 'cheap' things), in other words, 'moving around' salespeople.

Then, in the late 13th century, with the establishment and growth of universities, a few entrepreneurs saw the opportunity of opening permanent 'selling places' close to these early bastions of education and, as they were non-moving, static establishments they became known as 'Stationary Shops' and all the goods that they sold, whatever their nature, were called 'Stationary' .

The words Stationery and Stationers didn't appear until the late 17th century and were, in fact, alternative and incorrect spellings, so the next time someone irritatingly corrects you on this spelling 'faux par' you can boringly (but amusingly) put them right.

The word Stationery (?) has, of course, evolved to describe items specifically used within the office environment, whether for business or for education and, in this case, particularly the printed products; the letterhead, complement slips, business cards, envelopes (and perhaps other presentation and communication items) and a great deal of care and consideration should be taken in their design as your printed 'Stationery' is far more important than you may think.

As with all your other advertising (yes, your letterhead IS advertising) including your website, your Stationery has an important role to play in communication - it tells the world who you are, what you are, how you want to be perceived and without you being present!

It doesn't need to be elaborate or ultra clever but can be clean, simple and tasteful.

More importantly, that old classic, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" comes to mind as a letter is removed from an envelope, or as you look at that business card that someone gave you a couple of weeks ago - and the quality of your stationery, including the stock (material) can say far more about you than you may imagine.

It also needs to be 'technically' sensible, and a mice-type telephone number that no-one can read without a magnifying glass is no good to man nor beast, and equally important is that much needed Post Code in these Satnav days.

The usage and industry of printed stationery has naturally been greatly diminished by the onset of electronic media with instant emailing and without dismissing today's extraordinary hi-tech world, the receipt of a well-written, professionally produced letter is 1000% more agreeable and more appreciated than a terse, hurried, impersonal and often badly spelt email.

There, those Luddites weren't such bad lads, were they?