The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show GDP grew stronger than expected, jumping by 0.5% in February, a change significantly higher than the 0.1% growth projected by economists.

Monthly GDP growth was up strongly following virtually flat growth of 0.1% in January, although that figure was revised up from zero growth, on a par with very weak growth of only 0.1% in December.  Services output grew by 0.5%, production was up 0.5%, and construction up 1.0%.

Accountancy was the strongest growth area, up 3.7% in February alone, reflecting strong revenue and earnings from the busy self assessment tax season.