The UK service sector recorded its 23rd successive month of growth in February, although the rate of expansion slowed.
Just under a quarter of companies reported a rise in output due to increased business, more inquiries and marketing, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply said.
However, the expansion was slower than in January.
The strongest expansion was reported by IT and computing services suppliers.
However, levels of future business confidence in the sector fell back from January's seven-month high, to the lowest since June 2003.
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