UK private sector business activity expanded in June at its slowest rate since last November, as a slowing of service sector growth offset a stronger performance in manufacturing. Output at goods producers rose to the greatest degree since April 2022, driven by improved order book intakes and strong business confidence. At the same time, services activity grew at its softest pace for seven months, although survey evidence indicated that the slowdown was partly driven by a pause in client spending decisions during the election period. UK firms also faced a quickening of input cost inflation in June, as severe global ... (full story)