UK economic doubts grow stronger as manufacturers struggle

Business confidence stalls as new evidence shows UK growth becoming more reliant on consumer spending

New doubts have emerged over the UK's economic outlook after new evidence that growth is reliant on household spending while manufacturers struggle with a strong pound and the fallout from a downturn in China.

UK economic growth is expected to hold up during the second half of this year but a sharp drop in business confidence in recent weeks suggests the momentum is under threat, according to a round-up of indicators from accountants BDO.

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