Research from ONS shows that in April the UK grew at its fastest pace since lockdown was eased last summer, with retail reopening and schooling resuming, strong numbers have contributed to a recovery similar to that of pre-pandemic levels. The volume of goods and services produced has increased 2.3% and GDP reached just 3.7% below the pre-pandemic level of February 2020, this is the smallest gap since the start.
Accommodation service activities, such as caravan parks and holiday lets, grew nearly 70%, with personal services such as hairdressing registering similar rates. Food and beverage service activities grew by 39% as pubs, restaurants and cafés could open their doors, albeit outside, once again.
Figures from May are expected to suggest a greater output as indoor hospitality and other businesses resume trading, which hopefully will continue into the summer and give business owners and suppliers something to smile about after a hard twelve months.
