Brexit stockpilers and shoppers help Britain to outshine Europe

The economy shrugged off Brexit uncertainty in the first quarter of the year, boosted by unprecedented levels of stockpiling ahead of March’s deadline, official figures are set to reveal. City economists are forecasting growth of 0.5% in the three months to the end of March. If that rate is confirmed when data is released on Friday, it would mean Britain outshone continental Europe at the start of the year, despite the chaos surrounding Brexit. Figures last week showed the eurozone grew by 0.4% in the same period. Output was boosted as companies hoarded raw materials and finished products at a record pace early this year, fearful that a no-deal Brexit would disrupt supply chains. Retail spending showed little sign of Brexit-induced weakness, recent surveys indicate.