Outlook brightens with BCC and consumers more upbeat on the economy

The British Chamber of Commerce has revised its GDP forecasts as a separate poll showed consumer confidence was at its highest since October 2009.

The GfK NOP consumer sentiment index rose more strongly than forecast, following growth of 0.3% in the UK economy in the first three months of the year and eventually rising to 0.7%.

However, BCC director general John Longworth sounded a cautious note: "We have had false dawns in recent years and although this upturn appears to be on stronger ground, we must be aware that complacency could lead to setbacks.”