The 285 UK-based researchers surveyed in April/May predicted that the industry would grow 5.1% over the next 12 months, compared to just 4% when surveyed in December, and 4.3% a year ago. However, RSM notes that researchers have “generally overestimated” growth forecasts in the past.

Sentiment about the economy also improved compared to the last wave of the study, with a net 4% expecting an uptick, compared to the net 54% that forecast worsening conditions when asked in December.