Figures released this morning show that the service sector of the economy expanded last month at its fastest pace since September 2000.
The NCB Purchasing Managers' Services Index recorded 65.6 in April, up from 63.1 in March, while employment levels grew at the strongest pace for almost six years.
NCB economist Dermot O'Brien said new business and business confidence strengthened in April and employment growth was close to the highest recorded in the survey's history. More than 30% of firms surveyed recorded a rise in staffing levels.
But companies also saw costs increase at the fastest pace since October, citing higher salaries and fuel costs. Prices charged by firms also rose strongly in response.
