UK economic growth gathers pace in second quarter

The UK’s economy gathered speed in the second three months of this year, boosted by a jump in exports and business investment in the latest sign the country’s recovery is broadening out.

Official figures yesterday showed UK GDP rose by 0.7% in the second quarter, confirming a preliminary reading, and up from 0.4% in the first quarter.

Exports contributed the most to growth in the second quarter.