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British business eyes double dip
British businesses are predicting a double-dip recession, according to a survey from accountants and business advisors BDO LLP published today. BDO’s optimism index – which reflects how businesses expect trading to develop two quarters ahead – tumbled to 93.1 in August from 95.5 in July, reaching levels not seen since the deepest parts of the recession between November 2008 and July 2009. BDO Partner Peter Hemington said: “If Q4 does indeed turn out to be the start of a double dip, it certainly won’t be a merry Christmas for UK businesses.”