The CBI says the UK’ economic pick-up was “brisk” in the second quarter of the year, with the main industries of manufacturing and services reporting strong growth.

Results from a survey of 830 businesses revealed a balance of plus-29 per cent experienced growth between April and June, while plus-41 per cent expected output to accelerate further in the coming quarter.

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: “Our growth indicator provides firm evidence that UK GDP is now returning to its pre-recession peak, as the recovery forges ahead.

“The solid pace of growth across several sectors shows that confidence among firms is still rising.”