UK retail sales growth surpasses expectations

British high street sales have grown at their fastest pace for more than a year in September, figures from the CBI showed today in a further sign of recovery in the retail sector.

British high street sales have grown at their fastest pace for more than a year in September, figures from the CBI showed today in a further sign of recovery in the UK retail sector.

The business group's survey found 46% of firms reported sales volumes up on a year ago while 12% said they were down, giving a positive balance of 34% which was the strongest since June 2012 - and surpassing expectations.