APM’s Year‑Long Survey: Business Confidence Is Sky‑High, But Trust in Government Projects Is Still a Fuzzy Ball
Recently, the Association for Project Management (APM) unveiled the results of a 12‑month survey that canvassed more than 500 UK business leaders. The data paints a picture of rising private‑sector optimism, a wobbling trust in publicly funded projects, and a knockout call for transparency.
Private Sector Confidence: From Dizzy to Dominant
- March 2024: 59% of companies felt at ease with their own project delivery.
- January 2025: Confidence shot up to 74%, a jump driven by leaders who are investing in professional qualifications and sharpening their teams’ skill sets.
Government‑Led Projects: A Love‑Hate Relationship
- March 2024: 57% trust in public projects.
- July 2024 (post‑Labour election): Confidence peaked at 73%, reflecting a short‑lived “honeymoon” with the new government.
- January 2025: The figure slipped back to 70%, showing that early enthusiasm can fade if things stay shaky.
Transparency: The Top‑Told Issue
- 89% of respondents insisted that the government needs to be clearer on public projects. They want consistent messaging, tangible updates, and a more open dialogue.
Key Takeaways from APM’s Steer‑The‑Ship Report
The CEO of APM, Professor Adam Boddison OBE, summed it up: “Business leaders are resilient and still investing in leadership and skills, but we must do more to rebuild public confidence. Long‑term stability requires professional standards, extra investment, and tighter collaboration between the private and public sectors.”
Why the Government’s Credibility Is Still Putting On The Raincoat
- UK’s infrastructure projects frequently make headlines for delays and cost overruns.
- A 2024 Boston Consulting Group study shows that many democracies face similar hurdles—high labour costs, dense cities, and pesky approval processes.
- Funding is a serious problem: public investment is only about 19% of GDP over 40 years, the lowest among G7 nations.
Moments on the Horizon
- The US is looming with potential tariffs that could shake UK supply chains. APM expects new data soon.
- The newly launched All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery aims to bring better governance and stronger skills investment to the public sector.
Workforce Confidence: Skill Counts!
- Confidence that firms have the talent they need climbed from 71% in early 2024 to 78% by January 2025.
- Concerns about skill gaps fell drastically—from 12% to 4%.
- The demand for Chartered Project Professionals (ChPPs) neared a high: from 73% to 81% in the past year.
What does all this mean? Simply put, the business community is confident in its own abilities, but it wants a trustworthy, transparent partner in the government. If the public sector upholds standards and keeps the capital flowing, the UK could truly revolutionise how projects are delivered—making the next infrastructure endeavour less of a drama and more of a triumph.
Stay tuned for real‑time updates that break down these insights further—our subscription portal is your one‑stop ticket to all the latest on UK project delivery.
