The
Royal Mail operates a network of 39
mail centres. Each
mail centre serves a large geographically defined area of the
United Kingdom and together they form the backbone network of the mail distribution operation. The number of mail centres has been reducing as the service is modernised and in 2008 there were 69 mail centres. In 2013 and 2014 a further eight are planned to be closed. Mail items are delivered to homes and businesses from 1,356
delivery offices, which are supplied by the mail centres.