UK business optimism continued to strengthen midway through the year, as expectations of a strong recovery enabled firms to plan a record increase in staffing levels over the next 12 months, according to the Accenture/IHS Markit UK Business Outlook. Two thirds of UK private sector firms (67%) expect an increase in business activity during the year ahead, compared to just 9% that project a reduction. At +58% in June, the resulting net balance of business expectations rose to its highest level in six years. Improved activity expectations paved the way for another robust profits forecast, with a net balance of +37% of ... (full story)