Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe services sector drove UK growth (Reuters)Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK economy grew by 0.4 per cent in July, defying economist expectations of zero growth. Growth was predominantly driven by a 0.6 per cent rise in the services sector, with increased adoption of artificial intelligence and computer programming making key contributions. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the economic expansion as good news but emphasised that the government would not be complacent ahead of the mid-October Budget. The British Chambers of Commerce urged the Chancellor to support businesses in the upcoming Budget through tax cuts, energy relief, and reduced employer costs. Economists predict the Bank of England will maintain interest rates at 3.75 per cent at its next meeting despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. In fullUK economy unexpectedly grows 0.4% in July in boost for BurnhamMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Welcome boost for chancellor with unexpected rise put down to rapid growth of AI in services sector outweighing Iran war fallout

The UK economy had surprise growth in the month Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed GDP expanded 0.4…

GDP increased by 0.4% in July, up from 0.3% in June, the Office for National Statistics said.

Britain's economy grew by a stronger than expected 0.4 percent in July. This performance extended the strong showing seen in the first half of the year. Services sector strength…