The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) thinks the second quarter, starting in July, will see GDP exceed the level seen at the start of 2008, the BBC reports.
In upgraded forecasts, it estimates economic growth will be 2.8% this year – up from its earlier estimate of 2.7%.
But it also warns of an “unacceptably high” level of youth unemployment.
Gaining momentum
“Our economic recovery is gaining momentum,” said BCC director general John Longworth.
“Businesses across the UK are expanding and creating jobs, and our increasingly sunny predictions for growth are a testament to their drive and ambition.”
In December, the BCC forecast economic growth would reach pre-recession levels by the autumn.
It has also upgraded its growth forecast for 2015, from 2.4% to 2.5%.
These more optimistic forecasts, the BCC says, are mainly due to upward revisions to historic GDP data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The group also predicts the first increase in UK interest rates will come at the end of 2015, rising from their historic low of 0.5% to 0.75%.
