January data highlighted a robust increase in business activity across the service economy, which contrasted with only marginal growth during the final quarter of 2025. The headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Services PMI Business Activity Index registered 54.0 in January, up from 51.4 in December and above the 50.0 no-change mark for the ninth consecutive month. Moreover, the latest reading signalled the fastest pace of expansion since August 2025. Higher levels of business activity were linked to greater confidence among clients, new project starts and a postBudget improvement in investment sentiment. ... (full story)