Research finds growth above historical trend
THE BRITISH economy is growing at a pace above its long-term average trend, according to an index of business conditions by an international accountancy firm.
The latest report on business trends from BDO also points to an economic boost, reaching the highest level under the current government so far. The headline figure rose to 100.7, above 100, which indicates that the economy is growing at its long-term trend level.
The index signals that output and optimism are both particularly strong in manufacturing, while services still lag slightly behind their long-term average.
The last two months also saw a significant upswing in the number of vacancies in accountancy and finance, with nearly a fifth more positions to be filled than in the same period last year, according to a professional body.
The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) reveals today that there were 19 per cent more vacancies advertised online in the sector during August and September this year than 12 months earlier. Firms are particularly looking to hire compliance staff, responding to new regulatory strictures.