AI spending helps lift UK growth to fastest since early 2024
TLT•UK GDP grew 0.7% in the third quarter of 2026, up from 0.5% in the second quarter and its strongest quarterly expansion since the first quarter of 2024. Growth was 1.9% year over year, with computer programming and consultancy making the largest single contribution.
1. Growth accelerates
Britain’s economy grew 0.7% in the July-to-September quarter, the strongest calendar-quarter expansion since early 2024, the Office for National Statistics said. Annual growth rose to 1.9%, while September output increased 0.2%, above economists’ expectations for no change.
2. AI-related industries contribute
The ONS said there was widespread strength in industries that may be related to artificial intelligence. Computer programming, consultancy and related activity made the largest single contribution to quarterly growth, while computer manufacturing helped drive industrial production, which rose 4.6% in the three months to September.
3. Rates and investment
The data may add to pressure on the Bank of England to raise rates again. The central bank expects GDP to grow 1.6% in 2026, and investors see a 73% chance of another rate increase in December. Business investment grew 0.4% in the quarter, half the pace economists had expected.
