The Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has released findings from a year-long survey of over 500 business leaders across the UK.
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The research reveals a strong rise in business confidence in project delivery while trust in government-led projects remains unstable.
Private sector confidence in project execution has grown significantly, rising from 59% in March 2024 to 74% in January 2025.
The increase was attributed to strong leadership and greater investment in professional qualifications.
However, confidence in government-led projects has waned. While it rose last year from 57% in March to 73% in July following Labour’s General Election victory, it dipped to 70% by January 2025.
The findings suggest that while political events influence sentiment, sustained confidence in government projects requires further stability.
Transparency has also emerged as a critical concern. An overwhelming 89% of respondents identified public communication and transparency as the most urgent areas for government improvement, highlighting the need for clearer, more consistent messaging around public sector project goals and outcomes.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, CEO of APM, said: “Despite economic uncertainty and external pressures, confidence in project delivery has grown steadily. This reflects the resilience of businesses that continue to invest in leadership, professional expertise and workforce development. The data also shows that political stability can influence business sentiment, with confidence peaking in the months following the General Election.
“However, it’s clear that more must be done to rebuild trust in government-led projects. Achieving long-term stability will require a sustained commitment to professional standards, investment in capability, and stronger collaboration between business and the public sector to ensure project delivery remains a key driver of success across industries.”
The instability reflects broader challenges in public sector project delivery. Negative headlines around major UK infrastructure projects have fuelled scepticism – a challenge not unique to the UK. A 2024 report by Boston Consulting Group found that many developed democracies face similar barriers including high labour costs, dense urban centres and lengthy approval processes. In the UK, inconsistent funding remains a key issue, with infrastructure investment averaging just 19% of GDP over the 40 years to 2019 – the lowest in the G7.
At the same time, new international pressures may influence confidence in UK project delivery. Concerns are already emerging about the potential impact of incoming US tariffs on UK supply chains, though fresh data is expected soon from APM’s Censuswide research.
Meanwhile, with support from APM, the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery has been launched in Parliament to help improve government project outcomes. The group will champion better practice, stronger governance and investment in project skills across the public sector.
Beyond the public sector, the new APM survey shows a clear rise in workforce confidence across UK businesses. More organisations now believe they have the skilled professionals needed for long-term success, with workforce capacity confidence increasing from 71% in early 2024 to 78% by January 2025. Concerns about skills shortages have dropped from 12% to just 4%, suggesting that investment in talent is paying off.
Professor Boddison added: “The rising demand for Chartered Project Professionals (ChPPs), up from 73% to 81% over the past year, highlights the profession’s growing maturity. Businesses investing in project capability are building long-term resilience.
“Public trust in major projects is equally vital. Greater transparency, stronger governance and a continued focus on delivery excellence will be essential. With ongoing collaboration between sectors – and initiatives like the new APPG – we have a real opportunity to transform project delivery in the UK.”
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