LONDON: Private sector activity in the UK rose modestly again in the three months to August, according to the latest CBI Growth Indicator. Output growth across the manufacturing, distribution and service sectors rose steadily and was up 8%, following a 5% rise the previous month. Growth continued at a slower pace in manufacturing, while volumes grew at a more moderate pace in consumer services and held steady among business and professional services firms. Sales stabilised in the retail sector after four months of decline.
The survey of 833 respondents showed that over the next three months firms expect private sector growth to see a similarly steady rise of 7%, which is an improvement on July’s expectations. CBI chief economist, Rain Newton-Smith, said: “While it’s still early days following the EU vote, the economy is continuing to grow at a steady pace, despite mixed performances across different sectors.
“Exporters are seeing some competitiveness benefits from the fall in Sterling and low interest rates are helping to fuel some consumer-focussed parts of the economy. But the flip side of the weaker pound is higher import prices, which will put upward pressure on inflation and erode household spending power going forward.
“Business optimism and investment plans have deteriorated in the wake of Brexit so as the summer draws to a close, firms want the Government to communicate its plans for negotiations to leave the EU. “At the same time they want to see a robust Autumn Statement to set the economy on the right path to deliver growth and prosperity. And the Government must grasp the nettle on important decisions like aviation capacity and Hinkley Point.”
