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Britain’s services sector returned to expansion in July as stronger domestic demand and improving business confidence lifted activity, according to the latest S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).
The final UK Services PMI rose to 52.1 in July from 48.8 in June, marking the first expansion since April and exceeding the earlier flash estimate of 51.8. A reading above 50 signals growth. The revised figure also pushed the UK Composite PMI, which combines services and manufacturing, to 52.2 from 49.3, ending three consecutive months of contraction.
S&P Global reported that new business orders in the services sector increased to 50.8 from 47.6, reaching their strongest level since February and breaking a four-month decline that followed the outbreak of the Iran conflict. Although new export orders continued to fall for a fifth straight month, the pace of decline eased considerably compared with previous months.
The survey also pointed to softer inflationary pressures. Service providers recorded the slowest rise in input costs since February, helped by lower oil and natural gas prices after the ceasefire in the Iran conflict. Companies also raised their selling prices at the weakest pace in five months, suggesting easing cost pressures across the sector.
Despite the improvement in business activity, the labor market remained under pressure. The employment index declined for a 22nd consecutive month, matching a streak last seen during the global financial crisis. However, the rate of job losses was the mildest since October 2025, indicating that workforce reductions may be slowing.
Business optimism strengthened significantly during July, with confidence reaching its highest level since February. According to Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, companies became more optimistic due to expectations of reduced geopolitical risks in the Middle East and continued easing of inflation. These factors encouraged firms to anticipate stronger business activity over the next 12 months, supporting hopes that the UK economy is regaining momentum.
