“A modest rebound in June brought Q2 to a positive close — but today’s figures confirm that the strong growth seen earlier this year was a one-off and underlying conditions remain fragile.
“With business costs mounting, the labour market cooling, investment intentions weakening and confidence generally subdued, the UK is walking a narrow path between resilience and stagnation.
“Policy uncertainty in the run-up to the Autumn Budget risks tipping the balance. With the business tax burden already at a 25-year high, the government must chart a steadier course by ruling out further tax rises and prioritising policies that can quickly lift investment and productivity.”