Research reveals window of opportunity to unlock private finance for UK infrastructure

New research into investor attitudes towards UK infrastructure reveals that 90% of institutional investors view the UK as an attractive destination for infrastructure over the next three years, outpacing all other global markets. However, two thirds of investors also admitted to walking away from projects because the business case didn’t stack up.

The research, commissioned by AtkinsRéalis, warns that this positive sentiment represents a finite window of opportunity. While 65% of investors are currently committed to UK infrastructure, only 19% would strongly prioritise the UK over other regions and 64% have walked away from UK projects because of unattractive business cases. As global competition for capital intensifies, the UK must act decisively to convert positive sentiment into tangible private finance for projects.

• Strong Sentiment, Short Window: 90% of investors rank the UK as attractive for infrastructure investment in the next three years, but long-term commitment is less certain as other markets close the gap.
• Barriers Remain: Nearly two-thirds (64%) of investors have walked away from UK projects due to weak business cases, with concerns centred on insufficient returns, risk, and regulatory hurdles.
• De-risking is Essential: 71% see UK infrastructure as low-to-medium risk, but investors call for stronger risk management frameworks, viable business cases, and government-backed incentives.
• Innovation and Partnerships: Funding and finance initiatives are the primary driver of investor appetite, and appetite for new funding models is high, with 37% seeking public-private partnerships and 30% willing to pilot innovative approaches.
• Regional Growth Potential: 79% are interested in regional investment programmes but stress the need for greater confidence through clear pipelines, alignment of local and national priorities, and the right resources and capabilities for delivery.

The report, De-risk, Incentivise, Deliver: Funding UK Infrastructure for Growth, acts as a pulse check on investor attitudes, including views on regional investment programmes and factors impacting the investability of UK infrastructure. Feedback shows recent government initiatives have sent positive signals to the market, but to fully realise the UK’s infrastructure ambitions, these signals must be matched by concrete actions from public and private sector to de-risk projects, incentivise private finance, and accelerate delivery.

Chris Ball, President - UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, said: “AtkinsRéalis’ research shows that the UK has a real opportunity to crowd in private capital and deliver the infrastructure needed for economic growth and social impact if we can act swiftly and build on the positive progress over the last year.

“New funding and finance initiatives will incentivise investment, but we all have a role to play to de-risk projects and demonstrate the UK’s ability to deliver attractive investment options. The research findings make a clear case for closer collaboration, early integration, credible delivery plans and better contract frameworks that could strengthen business cases and turn this strong sentiment into positive outcomes for projects and communities across the country.”

Recommendations for government and industry:

• De-risk: Foster joined-up delivery through early integration of public, private, and financial partners, underpinned by robust contract frameworks.
• Incentivise: Develop innovative funding models that share risk and align incentives, supported by credible delivery plans.
• Deliver: Focus on collaborative contracting and clear outcomes to provide reliable returns for investors and lasting benefits for communities.

The findings are based on 100+ interviews with senior decision-makers at major institutional investors delivered in October 2025. Respondents represented a diverse range of UK, European and international institutions including pension funds, banks, life assurance and private equity investing in UK infrastructure and real estate assets. 

The full report is available here.

 

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.