The service sector saw a decline in optimism in the three months to November, although the fall was less sharp than in the previous quarter. In the CBI's latest quarterly Service Sector Survey, business and professional services firms – which include accountancy, legal and marketing firms – reported that business volumes barely increased and they are expected to fall slightly next quarter. Meanwhile, consumer services companies – which include hotels, bars, restaurants, travel and leisure – saw business volumes grow modestly, with expectations for faster growth in the next three months.

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