The UK economy has picked up over the third quarter, growing at the fastest rate in two years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed economic growth to rise by 0.6%, however, has also warned that it is likely to slow down before Brexit.
“The economy saw a strong summer, although longer-term economic growth remained subdued,” said Rob Kent-Smith, the head of national accounts at the ONS.
“There are some signs of weakness in September, with slowing retail sales and a fall back in domestic car purchases.”
“However, car manufacture for export grew across the quarter, boosting factory output. Meanwhile, imports of cars dropped substantially helping to improve Britain’s trade balance.”
Figures in the future are likely to slow down as businesses and consumers are preparing themselves for a Brexit where no-deal has been decided on the Ireland border issue.
Andy Scott, associate director at independent financial risk management consultancy JCRA, said: “The overall picture of the UK economy is, however, one of resilience. With unemployment at multi-decade lows and wages accelerating, the robust levels of household spending should continue to act as a buffer against weakening sectors such as manufacturing, preventing the economy from stalling or worse, contracting.”
Brussels has predicted UK output growth to be 1.2% next year, placing the UK towards the bottom of the growth table next to Italy.
“Brexit-related uncertainties could intensify over the coming months, if the EU rejects whatever final document the cabinet agrees on or if MPs vote against a deal,” said Thomas Pugh, an economist at Capital Economics.
“In the absence of those developments, however, we expect growth of about 1.3% over 2018 as a whole.”
