U.K. retail sales volume grew at the strongest pace since November 2012, the Distributive Trades Survey results from the Confederation of British Industry showed Wednesday.

According to the survey, 49 percent of respondents reported that sales volumes were up on a year ago, while 22 percent said they were down, giving a balance of +27 percent. The August's level exceeded the consensus of 20 percent.

Retailers expect another similarly strong month of sales growth in September. The balance for next month is seen at +26 percent.

Barry Williams, Asda Chief Merchandising Officer for Food, and Chair of the CBI Distributive Trades Survey Panel said, "The feel-good factor from the heatwave, summer sales, royal baby fever and sporting victories has helped boost the high street, with clothing retailers and grocers benefiting in particular."

The survey also found that employment in the sector grew at its fastest pace since May 2002 and is expected to grow firmly again next month.

Further, retailers expect their overall business situation to improve over the next three months to 20 percent, the highest figure in three years.