Boost to UK economy as threat of no-deal Brexit recedes

Services companies returned to growth after contraction in previous month

Britain's economy recovered some of its momentum last month after businesses shook off the threat of a no-deal Brexit, as data from the country's dominant services sector showed modest growth.

Services companies returned to positive territory after a brief period of contraction in March, according to a closely watched survey, while further data this week revealed that a dive in manufacturing exports was offset by a mild recovery in the construction sector. Experts said the figures indicated the UK economy was moving ahead but with a reliance on stockpiling - in case of a disorderly Brexit - rather than new orders to boost activity.