The service sector accounts for about three-quarters of the UK's economic output
The UK's services sector has expanded at its fastest pace since December 2006, a survey has indicated.
The Markit/CIPS Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.2 in July from 56.9 the month before, a stronger showing than economists had expected.
Any reading above 50 indicates growth.
The numbers complete a trio of positive PMI figures for July, after strong showings in both the construction and manufacturing sectors last week.
The latest services figure contrasts with data from the eurozone services sector, which showed a contraction at 49.8.
PMI surveys are based on data from various private-sector firms, which supply information on factors such as output, new orders, stock levels, employment and prices.
Source: BBC News - Business http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23571579#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
