UK GDP grew 0.7% in Q3, fastest in two years; ONS says AI-linked firms drove the top growth industry
The Office for National Statistics said computer programming, consultancy and related activities rose 4.4% and have been the largest driver of growth across 2026, with many of the fastest-growing firms involved in AI and cloud computing; business investment rose 0.4% on the quarter.
Why it matters
These are the first official UK figures to link the year's fastest-growing industry to AI and cloud work, though the ONS says it cannot yet measure the exact effect. City AM reports that the Bank of England indicated last week that about a fifth of growth came from AI-related investment, and Bloomberg Economics put a similar share on AI. Quarterly growth has run at 0.6%, 0.5% and now 0.7% this year. The next GDP estimate is due on 22 December.
Key facts
- GDP +0.7% in Q3 2026 (July–September), after +0.5% in Q2
- GDP 1.9% higher than a year earlier
- Services +0.9%; production +0.1%; construction −0.7%
- Computer programming, consultancy and related activities +4.4%
- Business investment +0.4% on the quarter, 3.0% higher than a year earlier
- Next ONS estimate: 22 December 2026