Now available: IWFM’s 2025 Market Outlook reports sector’s optimism despite economic headwinds  

News

Amid global economic uncertainty, IWFM’s 2025 Market Outlook Survey reports good news for the workplace and facilities management (WFM) sector, following last year’s call to "keep investing."  

Results published today in the report, subtitled ‘Facilitate the future – keep on growing’ suggest that message has resonated with this sector, worth £102 Bn and 1.2 million jobs to the UK economy.   

Key indicators driving market positivity 

The latest edition of our annual market report shows evidence of market growth and a concentration of positive market trends:  

• 42% of respondents reported an increase in workspace investment and 33% increased their area of space managed. 

• A majority reported an increase in budgets, higher than levels reported in 2024. 

• Respondents heeded the call to invest in areas that drive productivity with technology, carbon reduction solutions and skills and training all seeing an increase in investment. 

Making progress, headwinds incoming 

While optimism is warranted, perennial challenges persist as inflation fuels costs and pricing and budgets remain tight, notably in the public sector. Despite the investment uptick, recruitment difficulties and skill shortages are a big constraint expected to worsen without action. Potential warnings emerge around the broad sustainability agenda. Virtually every responding organisation had priority focus areas here, mostly in carbon reduction and energy efficiency, however the proportion identifying in each area fell back. Commitment in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is holding up, but momentum has tailed off.  

The 2025 Market Outlook Survey report is available now: access it here

 

A supporting webinar on Wednesday 7 May from 12:00 pm will add further context and detail to the report. Chaired by IWFM Director of Communications and Insight, Jenny Thomas joined by Melissa Gilbert, IWFM Senior Research Manager, Matthew Chapman, CEO, SBFM and Sarah Orpwood, National Facilities Manager, Maritime Transport. Register here to secure your spot.