The economy grew by 0.7% between July and September, official figures showed, helped along with a 0.5% growth in transport and storage.
The unexpected rise in GDP came despite the impact of higher energy prices from the Iran war and was also boosted by strong growth in the services sector.
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the Office for National Statistics, said it was “possible growth could have been even stronger” if there hadn’t been a war in the Middle East.
However, the construction sector shrunk by 0.7% and is now 1.7% lower than it was a year ago.
Logistics UK said the increase in output growth in transport was particularly welcome and reflected the essential role logistics played in facilitating trade and supporting consumer demand.
It urged the government to create the conditions required by businesses to invest, improve productivity and drive long-term growth.
“While a single quarter does not establish a long-term trend, it is encouraging that there has now been consistent growth this year and stronger economic activity should help support freight volumes and business confidence,” said Ben Fletcher, chief executive at Logistics UK.
“Growth of 0.5% in the transportation and storage sector would suggest that businesses continue to invest, move goods and serve customers despite significant cost pressures.
“Logistics firms are currently managing higher employment costs, elevated borrowing costs, continued investment requirements linked to fleet decarbonisation and increasing pressure to improve productivity.
“A stronger economic backdrop should help support the investment needed to modernise supply chains, expand capacity and strengthen the resilience of the UK’s freight network,” Fletcher added.
“The government should build on this momentum by creating conditions that encourage long-term business investment and economic growth.”
