The UK economy has flat-lined this month as firms face a “litany” of cost increases due to the Middle East war , a report found. A survey by data provider S&P Global found businesses as a whole saw their output fall for the second month running. The downturn was led by firms in the service sector - everything from banks to restaurants - that account for around 80% of the economy. The difficulties have been put down to sharply rising costs and lower customer confidence, mostly due to the war in