Weight / Fat loss

They are most useful post workout, especially in conjuction with some carbs. This will get the protein where it needs to be ASAP. Avoid protein powders which include bulking agents (fat and sugar usually) as they are a waste of money. Instead just have something with simple carbs and no fat with you PWO protein. Say, a couple bananas. Then have a proper meal when you get home from training.

You should not be relying on protein shakes for "calories" for those, go enjoy the wonderful plethora of foods out there. T

If you are struggling to fit enough protein in your food intake (about 200g) then using protein supplement can be useful everyday.

Thanks for the reply. I struggle to get anywhere near that amount of protein in a day which is why I'm a bit on the thin side plus i enjoy cardio (sports/cycling/skipping etc) but it doesn't help my cause. 8 years ago I got really gym obsessed, protein shakes + l-glutamine + a whole chicken a day and it took a year to put on a stone and robbed me of the pleasure of eating, it was a chore eating every 2.5 hours (not to mention the constipation). I then got salmonella poisoning and lost 1.5 stone in two weeks, quit the gym and took up boozing and smoking again.
This time my approach is more balanced with long term goals but at 6'2" and only 11.5 stone it's going to require serious dedication, bonus is I get to eat free at work so I stuff my face at every opportunity!