The NI IOS increased by 2.4% over the second quarter of 2025 (April – June) and by 3.4% over the year, reaching a series high. UK output increased by 0.3% over the quarter and by 1.2% over the year, to reach a new UK series high.

When the most recent four quarters are compared to the previous four quarters the NI services sector increased by 2.4% while the UK services sector increased by 1.5%.

NI services output is now 13.5% above the pre-Coronavirus pandemic level seen in Quarter 4 2019 while UK services output is 6.0% above its Quarter 4 2019 level.

The NI IOS output is 44.6% higher than the series low point (Quarter 2 2020).

The 2.4% quarterly increase in NI services output reflected an increase in all four sectors. The Business services and finance sector increased by 3.2%, the Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; accommodation and food service sector increased by 1.2%, the Other services sector increased by 6.1% and the Transport, storage, information and communications sector increased by 0.1%.

The 3.4% increase seen in NI services output over the year was driven by an increase in the Business services and finance sector (0.9%) and the Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; accommodation and food service sector (5.5%). This was offset by decreases in the Other services sector (0.6%) and the Transport, storage, information and communications sector (0.3%).