Third UK interest rate rise in a row looms after business growth jumps

Evidence of strongest performance in private sector since June convinces analysts of increase next month

The prospect of a third successive interest rate rise from the Bank of England is looming larger after news that the easing of Covid restrictions is generating growth and inflationary pressure.

Evidence of the strongest performance by the private sector since last summer left economists convinced Threadneedle Street would again increase borrowing costs when its monetary policy committee meets next month.