New research has found that 90% of 'institutional investors' view the UK as 'an attractive destination for infrastructure over the next three years', outpacing all other global markets - but two thirds admitted to walking away from projects because the business case didn't stack up.

Commissioned by AtkinsRéalis, the survey results show major grounds for optimism in the transport market, including a remarkable finding of 'unanimous long-term confidence': 100% of rail and road investors seeing the UK 'as attractive for the next decade', while '93% of rail and toad investors remain attracted to the UK market over the next three years'.

This translates to nearly half (46%) of all respondents stating they are investing or plan to invest in UK road and rail infrastructure.

More than half (57%) of investors said they enter projects at development or construction stages, 'creating opportunities for early-stage partnerships and innovation' AtkinsRéalis suggested and among early development and construction phase entrants, 31% are willing to be first movers, while 46% adopt a cautious approach, 'indicating a mixed but notable appetite for potential innovation and adoption of alternative funding and delivery models'.

On the wider infrastructure level, the picture is less clear: 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.

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.'

Other findings include:

  • 71% see UK infrastructure as low-to-medium risk, but investors call for stronger risk management frameworks, viable business cases, and government-backed incentives.
  • 37% seek public-private partnerships and 30% are willing to pilot innovative approaches.
  • 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 engineering services company made a handful of recommendations for Government and industry based on the findings:

  • 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 can be found here.