The Times · 11 Sep, 06:58 · Business briefing

UK economy grew much faster than expected in July

Recent official figures reveal that the UK economy expanded significantly faster than anticipated during July, defying prior forecasts of stagnation.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent official figures reveal that the UK economy expanded significantly faster than anticipated during July, defying prior forecasts of stagnation. This unexpected surge in growth signals renewed commercial activity and consumer confidence across key sectors. The data suggests a robust recovery momentum, potentially easing concerns regarding imminent recession. For professionals, this indicates a stabilising labour market with increased hiring potential. The positive economic trajectory provides a clearer backdrop for strategic career planning and investment in professional development, as businesses respond to improved trading conditions with greater operational certainty.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This positive economic shift suggests renewed hiring activity, particularly in sectors driving growth. You should prioritise skills that translate directly into revenue generation and operational efficiency. Focus on enhancing your commercial acumen and strategic planning capabilities, as organisations seek leaders who can capitalise on this momentum. Professionals in sales, project delivery, and business development are likely to see increased demand. Update your CV to highlight measurable outcomes and adaptability. Engage with your network to identify emerging opportunities in expanding industries. Consider upskilling in data-driven decision-making to support this growth phase. Stay agile, as market conditions may evolve quickly. Position yourself as a solution-oriented professional ready to contribute to organisational success in a recovering economy.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Project Management, Data Science and Strategic Marketing — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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