While recent projections for GDP growth are more optimistic than they were earlier in the year, the uptick is minimal, and Britain continues to lag behind many of our international competitors. Low productivity rates since 2007, compared with the pre-recession historical average contributed to compounded challenges for the economy and regional disparity continues to be a key issue.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) says that despite London and the Greater South East being among the most productive parts of Europe, UK-wide productivity is lagging internationally.