a delivery head for a beverage preparation machine comprising a clamping member and a base , wherein the clamping member is movable relative to the base , the clamping member being sequentially movable from an open position , through a clamping position to an ejection position , the clamping position being intermediate the open position and the ejection position , in the open position the clamping member being positioned to enable loading of a cartridge into the delivery head , the clamping member being clampable against said cartridge in the clamping position , the clamping member being movable relative to the base from the clamping position to the ejection position to enable transportation and ejection of said cartridge .