Figures released today indicated that the UK services sector rose at its strongest pace in 16 years between July and September, indicating potential strong growth for the economy as a whole.

David Noble, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, which compiled the services sector figures, said: “After nearly six lost years of economic output, the UK economy looks to have really found its feet.”

David Tinsley, economist at BNP Paribas, the City stockbroker, added: “There is no mistake the economy is growing jolly fast.”

The boost came just a day after David Cameron told the Conservative Party conference that the economy was “finally turning the corner”.