UK firms report surge in orders amid signs of economic recovery

After UK narrowly misses recession IoD reports rise in business demand, confidence, hiring and investment in March

Britain's businesses are reporting a spring surge in order books, boosting hopes that the economy may finally be recovering after flirting with recession late last year.

After official figures showing the UK performed slightly more strongly than originally thought towards the end of 2022, the Institute of Directors said there had been an improvement in demand, confidence, hiring and investment intentions in March.