The Forum for Private Business responds to the 0.3% GDP growth.

Phil Orford, CEO of the Forum for Private Business, said of the 0.3% GDP growth figure announced last week: "We have to look at these figures positively - the facts are that the economy is now making progress. The spectre of a triple dip recession is receding, and with the announcement on Funding for Lending yesterday, this is probably the most positive week for small business for quite some time."

"If these figures can help convince both consumers and businesses that the UK has turned a corner, it paves the way for confidence to return and be a springboard for accelerated growth. This is the hope.

"While the service sector looks to have led the way, the construction industry figure is more worrying, and shows the need to get projects moving at a quicker pace."