THE STUDY of 200 senior decision-makers across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy and infrastructure, and data centres found that 72% expect demand to keep rising over the period. However, only one in ten are very confident they can build capacity fast enough to capture that growth, even though 58% plan to increase capital investment.

The report says the challenge goes beyond physical space to include workforce, infrastructure, technology and operational capability. Despite investment in automation and technology, factors outside businesses’ direct control, such as workforce availability and long project lead times, are slowing the rate at which new capacity comes on stream.

Pressures vary by sector. Advanced manufacturing reports the highest rate of skills shortages (48%), energy and infrastructure the highest rate of planning and regulatory delays (34%), and data centres the highest rate of technology and IT infrastructure constraints (50%). In life sciences, technology (42%) and skills shortages (40%) are the main barriers.

Mark Patterson, chief customer officer at DHL Supply Chain UK&I, said: “The evidence shows that businesses are investing and expanding to prepare for growth. Yet most expect demand to outstrip the capacity they can add and are concerned they won’t be able to capitalise on it.

“No organisation can address structural constraints alone. Closer collaboration across businesses, supply chains, government and industry will be essential if the UK is to convert expected demand into sustainable growth.”

DHL argues that greater visibility and flexible capacity can help organisations respond to changing demand and scale without sacrificing resilience. The survey was conducted by Magnus Consulting in June 2026, with 50 respondents in each sector.