just sold - experiences

I have just sold and would like some help in how best to transfer money back to England. I have investigated one of the money exchange companies e.g. HiFX, but my understanding is that if you set up a transfer this is essentially a "trade" and if the money fails to reach the account by the end of the few days allowed you have the risk of reimbursing them the cost of selling the money they have purchased from the market. If the xchange rate is against you, you can can owe a lot of money! Is this right?

My bank quotes a euro rate of 0.86 but I also notice that the rate has been "dropping" in the last 2 weeks seemingly making it better to convert euros to pounds. The HiFX quote was 0.89.

What is the best (and safest way) of getting money home?

Advice appreciated.