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The UK service sector expanded last month, helped by a solid rise in new work, a survey showed on Wednesday. S&P Global UK services purchasing managers’ index rose to 52.3 in October from 50.8 in September. The 50 mark separates growth from decline. The October reading breezed past the 51.1 flash reading. ‘Anecdotal evidence suggested that a rebound in order books and successful new product launches had helped to boost business activity in October. The latest survey indicated a solid improvement in total new work received by service providers. Moreover, the rate of new business expansion was the second-fastest since October 2024 (exceeded only by that seen in August). Stronger order books appeared to reflect rising domestic demand, with service providers noting increased marketing spending and greater sales enquiries,’ S&P Global said. ‘In contrast, new work from abroad decreased for the second month running, linked to sluggish global demand and the impact of fragile investment sentiment.’ Meanwhile, input cost inflation eased to the tamest level since November of last year. The composite PMI, measuring the wider private sector, expanded to 52.2 in October from 50.1 in September, representing the sixth-successive month of growth. The composite data, calculated using the services reading and an earlier manufacturing print, beat the flash score of 51.1. ‘Higher levels of business activity reflected a faster rise in service sector output, alongside an increase in manufacturing production for the first time since October 2024. Total new work returned to growth in October, following a marginal reduction in September. However, export sales continued to decline at a solid pace,’ S&P Global said. Monday’s manufacturing PMI rose to 49.7 points for October from 46.2 in September. The services PMI features a panel of around 650 firms, with responses collected between October 9 and 29. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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