The Annual Purchases Survey aims to collect information about business' expenditure on energy, services, goods and materials that are used up or transformed by the business activity. The survey includes raw materials, power and fuel, rental on buildings and business services such as advertising, recruitment consultancy and cleaning. It specifically excludes fixed assets or capital investment, staff costs, and goods and services bought for resale without further processing. The information supplied helps identify the purchasing patterns of businesses to inform UK government policy. The information also contributes to the UK National Accounts, UK gross domestic product (GDP) estimates and ensures the UK meets international obligations, particularly to the European Union.

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