UK businesses and consumers show signs of recovery in early 2026 - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxNbF9Rajg4a1hDRnlhWlhEdVVmbTU0UmQ5SVBBVGxSZDBPZ0lfVXlaZC1ndVdWVzVEVXNBU1NvQVM4LVFPc1pURTJMSldhZmZFTXpIUW4wZVhXSVBQU1g3Z0JUVFVYUWtLTVFwN2xoSngwUFV2RjJ0bExlejVFbC0xWUNvTXBWdEd0Ykx0NXBxSnE2RmYxa0ZRYmE1ckdsMC0xX3pRV0Rn?oc=5" target="_blank">UK businesses and consumers show signs of recovery in early 2026</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

British businesses extended an early 2026 recovery in February, with the S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers' Index rising to 53.9, the highest level since April 2024. Official retail sales data for January showed the fastest annual growth in sales volumes in nearly four years, indicating consumer confidence.

British businesses have extended their early 2026 rebound into a second month, with the S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 53.9 in February from 53.7 in January, the highest level since April 2024. However, services firms are still cutting jobs, partly due to higher taxes imposed by the Labour government.

Activity in the UK private sector grew in February at its fastest pace in nearly two years, according to a survey released on Friday. The S&P Global flash composite output index ticked up to 53.9 from 53.7 in January, marking the fastest rise in private sector activity since April 2024.

Growth in the UK’s private sector has gained further momentum, with manufacturers experiencing the biggest surge in export orders since 2021, according to a new survey. However, job losses continued for the 17th month in a row, led by a sharp reduction among firms in the services sector.

British businesses extended an early 2026 recovery in February, with the S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers' Index rising to 53.9, the highest level since April 2024. However, companies are still cutting jobs.

British businesses have extended their early 2026 rebound into a second month, with the S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 53.9 in February from 53.7 in January, the highest level since April 2024.

Growth in the UK’s private sector has gained further momentum this month, as manufacturers were boosted by the biggest surge in export orders since 2021, a new survey shows. The S&P Global flash UK composite purchasing managers’ index recorded a reading of 53.9 for February, up from 53.7 in January.

The S&P Global UK Composite Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 53.9 in February, indicating an encouraging start to the year for the UK economy, though companies continue to cut jobs.

Medium-sized business owners have seen a particularly sharp rebound, with 89% saying they are financially better off than 12 months ago. However, only 19% of the general public feel positive about the economy.

The latest data shows that nearly a third of trading businesses reported a decrease in turnover in January 2026 compared to the previous month. However, 16% reported an increase, indicating signs of recovery in the business sector.