Economy shows promising signs of growth

Research by BDO found that. the UK economy showed signs of growth in July following a boost in manufacturing production and the start of the summer tourism season, which likely contributed to an increase in headcount across the services sector.  The analysis showed that despite prevailing challenges including elevated input prices and persistent tightness in…

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Small business confidence hits two year high

The percentage of small business owners predicting growth has hit its highest level for more than two years, after a period of slow decline since the start of 2022 according to research commissioned by Novuna Business Finance. The research showed that during the fortnight immediately after the General Election, 35% of UK small business owners…

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Election result is a golden opportunity for small business growth

The Labour party will likely have a majority vote to win the General Election. Responding to the news Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said “Congratulations to the new Prime Minister and Government on their decisive election victory, and congratulations to the newly elected MPs from all parties. “The clear result…

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Number of growing sectors hits 15 months high

More parts of the economy grew in May than at any time in the last 15 months according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker.  While the overall rate of output growth across the economy slowed marginally in May (53.0 vs. 54.1 in April), 11 out of the 14 UK sectors monitored by the…

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GDP growth hits zero – industry reaction

Latest economic ONS data has shown that growth was flat, with GDP unchanged between March and April. GDP showed no month-on-month growth following a 0.4 per cent rise in March The data reflects modest growth in April, offset by weakness in both Production and Construction. Services output rose 0.2% month-on-month whilst Construction output fell 1.4…

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UK’s economic growth flattered by a booming population

The UK’s middle-of-the-pack record on economic growth since 2010 has been flattered by the population growing by six million people. But Britain will need to turnaround its dire productivity record and leverage its services strengths if it wants raise growth and boost living standards in the 2020s, according to new research By the Resolution Foundation.…

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Small business confidence rise could signal end of recession

Small business confidence made a welcome return to positive territory for the first time in two years, the first evidence that the small business community has now come out of the late 2023 recession, according to FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for Q1 2024.  The headline confidence reading jumped up over 20 points to reach…

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Interest rate cut delays predicted to subdue growth

The British economy is expected to remain subdued this year due to the Bank of England delaying interest rate cuts in the face of stubborn inflation according to a repott by the EY Item Club. The report now expects GDP growth of 2% in 2025, up from 1.8% in January’s Winter Forecast. However, the growth forecast…

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GDP rose 0.1% in February – business industry reaction

Latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 0.1% in February providing another sign of a return to sluggish economic growth this year. Output from the production industry led the economy’s growth, rising by 1.1%, compared to a fall of 0.3% in January. The figures were in line with…

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Business confidence rises

Latest data from the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows that business confidence in the UK economy took a significant leap forward in March. Bouncing back from the unexpectedly low confidence levels recorded in February, the key indicators suggest business leaders are returning to the more optimistic positions that they held in January. The IoD Directors’…

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Economy grows by 0.2% – industry reaction

Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown that GDP rose by 0.2% in January following a fall in output during the previous month.. The UK’s economy grew in January, boosted by stronger sales in shops and online and more construction activity. January’s growth figure raises expectations of the economy expanding…

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Three quarters of small business owners worried about economic volatility

New data from Novuna Business Finance has revealed that three quarters (75%) of small business owners are experiencing sleepless nights, with market volatility being their top concern for the second consecutive year. With 35% expressing worry about this in Q1 2024, the figure has slightly decreased from Q1’s 2022’s peak, amidst market turmoil following the…

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UK economy likely experienced a mild recession last year

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts that the UK economy likely experienced a mild recession in the second half of last year. However, the think-tank believes that the country is now on the path to recovery, thanks to higher disposable household income and increased spending. CEBR says the UK economy has battled…

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