The UK recession is at an end with business confidence enjoying a record recovery, according to one trade body.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) said optimism among professionals had moved to its highest level for two years.
The Business Confidence Monitor survey found "a remarkable upturn" in confidence in the banking sector while positive signs in the housing market have also helped boost optimism for property firms.
The IT sector was the most optimistic, followed by banking, finance and insurance firms.
Overall, the confidence measure jumped from minus 28.2 to 4.8, the largest quarterly improvement since the survey began in 2003.
The organisation is now predicting that economic output will rise 0.5% this quarter.
Its forecast comes after a worse-than-expected 0.8% decline in the economy between April and June, marking the UK's fifth successive quarter of recession.
ICAEW chief executive Michael Izza said: "This quarter's BCM suggests that the UK recession is at an end.
"While there is no doubt that the UK economy is on its way to recovery, we shouldn't underestimate the challenges ahead for businesses."
Health and education professionals were least confident as fears of cuts in the public sector grow.
Across the country, Wales was the most upbeat, followed by Scotland.
Northern England was the most positive of the English regions, while London and the South East showed the least optimism.
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