Boost for UK economy as GDP outstrips forecasts
The Government received a boost this morning (April 11) with the news that GDP grew 0.5% in February and 0.6% in the three months to February.
Compared to the same month a year ago, GDP was 1.4% higher in February 2025.
Economists had been expecting just 0.1% growth.
The economy grew strongly in February with widespread growth across both services and manufacturing industries.
Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics, said: “Within services, computer programming, telecoms and car dealerships all had strong months, while in manufacturing electronics and pharmaceuticals led the way and car manufacturing also picked up after its recent poor performance.
“Across the last three months as a whole, the economy also grew strongly with broad-based growth across service industries.”
Responding to the data, British Chambers of Commerce Research Manager Stuart Morrison, added: “The stronger-than-expected GDP rebound in February, and positive data for the three months, are welcome news.
“There was an encouraging story from both the services and manufacturing sectors. However, businesses across the UK are under no illusion – significant sustained growth continues to remain elusive.
“Events of recent weeks will have substantially changed the growth picture. Businesses are now facing the double-edged sword of rising domestic costs, including the National Insurance rise, and growing global trade uncertainty. However, it will be several months before we see the real impact on economic data.
“In the search for growth, much will hinge on the upcoming industrial strategy. We also need to see urgent action by ministers on business rate reform, infrastructure and export support. Government should be doing all it can to help business navigate the choppy waters both at home and abroad.”
