UK - The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest Economic Survey suggests the UK economy saw further growth in the second quarter of 2010, building on three months of improvement at the beginning of the year.
However, the BCC, which called the result ‘encouraging’, said sectors such as exhibitions are crucial to ensuring the economy’s continued growth.
“Rebalancing our economy away from debt and the public sector is essential, and this means a much greater role for British businesses and exporters in the future,” a spokesman for the BCC told Exhibition World. “Companies will need to get around the world on a regular basis to meet new contacts and show off their various goods and services. Exhibitions and trade shows will play a key part in making this a reality.”
The survey showed that key indicators on business conditions, including employment expectations, investment plans, export orders, and domestic sales made gains in Q2.
But the BCC warns that underlying weaknesses in the economy remain; weaknesses that cannot be ignored if the UK is to avoid a relapse into recession.
The director general of the BCC, David Frost, says the results are positive on the whole, especially in manufacturing, and should offer encouragement that the UK’s recovery “remains on the right track”.
“We still have concerns about sluggish growth in the service sector, which emphasises why the Government must continue to promote the best possible business environment in order to help companies invest and grow,” continues Frost.
“With very austere times ahead, no one should kid themselves into thinking that the UK’s economic recovery is totally secure. There will need to be an unwavering focus on ensuring business is able to deliver growth, create jobs, and drive a lasting recovery.
